The Burnout and Professional Deformation of Latvian Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic at the Traumatology and Orthopaedics Hospital

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis, which has created an additional burden on the healthcare system and has caused enormous stress and emotional burnout among healthcare workers (HCWs). The purpose of the study is to investigate the phenomena of emotional burnout and the professional deformation of HCWs. The emotional burnout phenomenon of the HCWs was studied using the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey. In addition, the Professional Deformation Survey, based on scientific literature and research works, was developed. The survey consisted of 4 subscales distinguishing: aggression, authoritarianism, demonstrativeness, and conservatism. The survey results showed a high level of emotional exhaustion, a medium level of depersonalization, and a low level of personal achievement reduction. The Professional Deformation Survey showed good reliability for the whole sample in all four subscales. Results of the professional deformation study revealed that 29% of respondents manifest aggression while performing their professional activities. Authoritarianism can be observed in 18% of respondents, demonstrativeness in—31%, and professional deformation manifested as conservatism in—22% of HCWs. Data obtained on burnout and the professional deformation of the HCWs proves that the healthcare system and health organizations have reason to be concerned about the mental well-being of HCWs and the quality of healthcare service provision.