Burnout is a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by 3 dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job or feelings of negativism/cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficiency.1 Burnout is an occupational phenomenon and is not classified as a medical condition.1
Burnout in the health workforce in the United States was prevalent even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which only served to heighten issues related to burnout. Understanding the impact of burnout and how to address it is critically important because burnout has been linked to retention and turnover, absenteeism, depression, medical errors, and increased risk to patient safety.2 Addressing health worker burnout is a current priority of the Federal government.
1. World Health Organization. Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases. Published May 28, 2019. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases
2. Reith TP. Burnout in United States Healthcare Professionals: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2018;10(12): e3681. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.3681
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