BURNOUT SYNDROME OF NURSES/TECHNICIANS IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AT UNIVERSITY CLINICAL HOSPITAL MOSTAR

Abstract

Introduction: Burnout syndrome results from chronic stress at work combined with ineffective coping with stress. Medical workers belong to the occupations with the highest percentages of burnout syndrome, which has been further increased by the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Objective: To identify the symptoms and risk factors for the development of burnout syndrome in nurses/technicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subjects and methods: A prospective study was conducted with a survey for symptoms and risk factors for the development of burnout syndrome among nurses/technicians of the University Clinical Hospital (UCH) Mostar in the COVID wards, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in July and August of 2021. A survey questionnaire specially created for this research was used, and data analysis was performed in the program SPSS.
Results: All nurses and technicians felt exhaustion while working in the COVID wards, they were worried about infecting their family members, and the vast majority had severe headaches and were irritable. Most of the respondents had demanding working hours, were overloaded with work and insufficiently informed about this new disease. However, most nurses/technicians did not show serious symptoms such as anxiety, concentration problems, high blood pressure, emotional exhaustion, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Almost everyone experienced a sense of belonging to the team and good mutual communication.
Conclusion: The research indicates a significant risk of burnout syndrome among nurses and technicians while working with COVID-19 patients. Therefore, it is very important to recognize the development of this syndrome in time, and to develop a strategy for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of these persons.