Organizational Factors and Burnout of Perioperative Nurses

Abstract

Background:Knowing the organizational factors that predict burnout in perioperative nurses is paramount for improving the care of patients and promoting nurses’ psychosocial well-being and health.Objective:To determine the influence of organizational factors of the perioperative nurse's work environment on the three burnout dimensions: emotional exhaustion, despersonalization, and personal accomplishment.Method:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 136 nurses in a perioperative care unit at a university hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Data were collected using a demographic data form, and the Spanish versions of the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and Maslach Burnout Inventory.Results:Findings showed emotional exhaustion in 43% (56) of nurses, depersonalization in 21% (28), and reduced personal accomplisment in 53% (69). The degree of general burnout was moderate.The work environment was considered unfavourable as only one factor of five was favourable (Nursing foundations of quality care). Multiple regression analyses showed three organizational factors were associated with all three dimensions of burnout: “Nurse manager ability, leadership, and support of nurses”; “Staffing and resources adequacy”; and “Nursing foundations of quality care”.Conclusions:In this study three organizational factors played a significant role in predicting burnout among perioperative nurses. We recommend hospital management implement policies to improve these organizational factors. Promoting positive leadership styles, providing necessary resources, and creating a positive climate in the work environment could increase psychosocial wellbeing and decrease burnout among perioperative nurses.

Prevalence and Correlates of Mental Health Status Among Pre-Hospital Healthcare Staff

“…Accordingly, the identification of stressors in their work environment can greatly help in recognizing occupational risks and prevent relevant diseases through the improvement of the work environment. Addressing organizational issues positively augments nursing care output as well as the mental health of staff [6].…”

“…Occupational sciences often probe into psychological challenges characteristic of any department. Working dynamics play a pivotal role in manipulating environmental stressors; once un-questioned, they lead to health deterioration, attenuated work performance, and consequently threatened organizational goals [5,6]. Cole et al reiterated that 93% of nurses faced psychosomatic issues owing to professional distress [7].…”

“…There is a moderate burnout documented among nurses, 53%, 43%, and 21% being victims of reduced personal accomplishment, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, respectively. Lack of coping skills further aggravates behavioral problems [6,8].…”

“…Mental health relies upon the individual as well as organizational factors [6,9] including personality traits, social support, working conditions (congenial environment, workload/hours, job description, salary) and work-life balance [6,10,11]. Role of optimum hospital policies, positive leadership and apt utilization of resources cannot be overlooked in promoting the well-being of staff [6].…”

Analysis of the work environment and intention of perioperative nurses to quit work

“…Study show that the worst working environments are related to increased burnout (6) , lower job satisfaction and a greater intention to quit work (7) and that better environments have less burnout, greater job satisfaction and lower intention to abandon (8) .…”