Risk factors for burnout among caregivers working in nursing homes

Abstract

Aims and objectives: (i) To assess the level of burnout in nursing home caregivers within a unique healthcare network in France and (ii) to evaluate potential risk factors in this population.

Background: Burnout syndrome occurs frequently among nursing home caregivers and has strong detrimental effects on the quality of health care for residents.

Design: We used an observational survey to study burnout in nursing home caregivers. The survey was used to quantify burnout level (Maslach Burnout Inventory) and potential risk factors and was implemented from October 2013-April 2014.

Methods: A logistic regression was used to explore the association between burnout and its risk factors.

Results: Three hundred and sixty questionnaires were delivered to caregivers in 14 nursing homes within a unique healthcare network. The response rate was 37% (132/360), and 124/132 (94%) surveys were analysed. Caregiver burnout rate was 40% (49/124). Median age was 41 years (range, 20-70) and most caregivers were female. The most common profession (n = 54; 44%) was nurse caregiver and 90% (n = 112) had an antecedent of bullying by a resident. Risk factors identified were as follows: the presence of institutional protocols (death announcement [OR: 3.7] and pain assessment [OR: 2.8]), working in a profit-making establishment (OR: 2.6) and the antecedent of bullying by a resident (OR: 6.2). Factors most negatively associated with burnout included: practising pastimes (OR: 0.4) and working as a nurse (OR: 0.3). The only significant risk factor in the multivariate analysis was the antecedent of bullying by a resident (OR: 5.3).

Conclusion: Several specific risk factors for burnout in nursing home caregivers were identified.

Relevance to clinical practice: In high-risk populations of healthcare professionals, screening and management of risk factors is crucial for preventing burnout.

Keywords: burnout syndrome; caregivers; nursing home; occupational health.