Burnout among healthcare providers in the complex environment of the Middle East: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Burnout is a syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, increased depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment due to chronic emotional stress at work. Burnout impacts job satisfaction, job performance, vulnerability to illnesses, and interpersonal relationships. There is a gap in the systematic data on the burden of burnout among healthcare professionals from different sectors of healthcare in Middle Eastern countries. Our objective was to examine the burden of burnout among healthcare providers in the Middle East, how it was assessed, which sectors were included, and what interventions have been used. Methods: Articles were found through a systematic review of search results including PubMed, Web of Science (Thomson Reuters), and PsycINFO (EBSCO) using search terms reflecting burnout in Middle Eastern countries among populations of healthcare providers. Studies were included if they examined a quantitative measure of burnout among healthcare providers in the Middle East. Results: There were 138 articles that met our inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Studies focused on burnout in the Middle East among physicians (N = 54 articles), nurses (N = 55), combined populations of healthcare workers (N = 22), and medical students (N = 7). The Maslach Burnout Inventory was the most common tool to measure burnout. Burnout is common among physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, with prevalence estimates predominantly ranging between 40 and 60%. Burnout among healthcare providers in the Middle East is associated with characteristics of their work environments, exposure to violence and terror, and emotional distress and low social support. Conclusions: Burnout is highly prevalent among healthcare providers across countries in the Middle East. Previous studies examining burnout in this region have limitations in their methodology. More thoroughly developed epidemiologic studies of burnout are necessary. Health system strengthening is needed in a region that has endured years of ongoing conflict, and there is an urgency to design and implement programs that tackle burnout among health professionals.

Trait Emotional Intelligence and Its Correlates with the Level of Burnout Syndrome among First-year Resident Physicians in Oman

“…Furthermore, it is evident that older participants report higher rates of depersonalization and lower personal achievement which consequently leads to burnout. Similar ndings were demonstrated in previous research which suggests that older professionals are likely to have more work experience which as a result increases the likelihood of experiencing occupational burnout [43]. However, other studies have found a bimodal relationship between age and burnout.…”

Positive spiritual climate supports transformational leadership as means to reduce nursing burnout and intent to leave

“…A South Korean study also reported similar mean scores for burnout in nursing (Choi et al, 2018). Previous research reports that a heavy workload and unorganised and difficult work conditions are associated with burnout in nursing (Chemali et al, 2019; Monsalve‐Reyes et al, 2018). Age, gender, marital status and having children are also variables that affect burnout (Canadas‐De la Fuente et al, 2018).…”

Understanding the factors influencing healthcare providers’ burnout during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Jordanian hospitals

“…Both quantity and quality of healthcare providers’ care could be negatively affected by stress and burnout. Evidence found that stressors in the workplace may result in a burnout syndrome and burnout results in low productivity [ 11 ]. Studies reported that healthcare providers are faced with hectic, unpredictable, and ever-changing situations [ 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Evidence found that stressors in the workplace may result in a burnout syndrome and burnout results in low productivity [ 11 ]. Studies reported that healthcare providers are faced with hectic, unpredictable, and ever-changing situations [ 11 , 12 ]. For the reason that they deal with various diseases, traumatic events, and urgent situations, they do not have enough time for recovery, putting them under persistent stress.…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic is causing global panic [ 13 ]. As a result, healthcare providers who were caring for COVID-19 patients are reported to experience much higher stress, anxiety, and burnout than healthcare providers who do not in other hospital departments [ 11 ]. A nationwide outbreak of COVID-19 is an unfamiliar traumatic event for healthcare providers; therefore, there has been limited studies into COVID-19 related burnout.…”