Projeto de Intervenção Burn-Down: o impacto do Burnout nos Cuidados de Saúde Primários e o benefício da Prevenção Quinquenária numa Unidade de Saúde Familiar

Abstract

Introduction Burnout is a complex psychological syndrome, secondary to a chronic and excessive response to work stress. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and decreased professional fulfilment. Health professionals are a susceptible group to this phenomenon. Recently, challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have eventually increased the prevalence and/or severity of this issue, particularly in Primary Health Care. Thus, interventions aimed at minimizing its effects are urgent. Objective To reduce Burnout and promote appropriate coping strategies, empowering Health Professionals to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Methodology This intervention is aimed at Health Professionals from a Family Health Unit. Previously, sociodemographic data were collected and applied two self-completed questionnaires: the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II (COPSOQ II) to assess Burnout levels, and the The Ways of Coping Questionnaire to assess coping strategies used and areas of action. The intervention consisted of online theoretical-practical sessions and face-to-face yoga practice sessions. The sessions dealt with the topics "Burn-out and coping mechanisms", "Working and socializing in a team", “Mindfulness” and "Physical exercise" in Burnout prevention. The COPSOQ II was reapplied to assess the effects of the intervention. Statistical analysis included the use of Cronbach's alpha coefficient, calculation of mean± standard deviation for each item assessed and the t-Student test for comparison, assuming statistically significant differences if p ≤ 0,050. Results The sample was formed by 22 elements. The pre-intervention COPSOQ II results revealed that the majority was at risk for health in the subdimensions related to "Work Demands", "Work Organization and Content" and "Personality" and in an intermediate risk situation in "Social and Leadership Relationships". The most used coping strategies were "Planned Problem Solving", "Acceptance of Responsibility" and "Self-control". After the intervention, a statistically significant improvement was obtained in the subdimensions "Attention", "Commitment to the Workplace", "General Health" and "Sleeping Problems". Discussion and Conclusion It was obtained a significant improvement on the physical and mental health of Health Professionals, with a reduction of Burnout levels. The implementation of quinquenary prevention interventions and the identification of areas where to act can improve their health and coping strategies. Keywords: burnout; health professionals; coping; intervention; health and well-being; occupational health.

A Importância da Prevenção Quinquenária: Uma Reflexão Crítica

“…O burnout caracteriza-se por uma síndrome psicológica, secundária a uma resposta crónica ao stress profissional excessivo, caracterizada por aumento da exaustão emocional, despersonalização e diminuição da realização profissional. 2 Este está associado a alterações psicológicas como labilidade emocional, irritabilidade e ansiedade, assim como dificuldade na interação social.…”