Burnout Prevention: A Review of Intervention Programs

Awa, Wendy L.; Plaumann, Martina; Walter, Ulla

Burnout Prevention: A Review of Intervention Programs

Awa, Wendy L.; Plaumann, Martina; Walter, Ulla

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of intervention programs at the workplace or elsewhere aimed at preventing burnout, a leading cause of work related mental health impairment. METHODS: A systematic search of burnout intervention studies was conducted in the databases Medline, PsycINFO and PSYNDEX from 1995 to 2007. Data was also extracted from papers found through a hand search. RESULTS: A total of 25 primary intervention studies were reviewed. Seventeen (68%) were person-directed interventions, 2 (8%) were organization-directed and 6 (24%) were a combination of both interventions types. Eighty percent of all programs led to a reduction in burnout. Person-directed interventions reduced burnout in the short term (6 months or less), while a combination of both person- and organization-directed interventions had longer lasting positive effects (12 months and over). In all cases, positive intervention effects diminished in the course of time. CONCLUSION: Intervention programs against burnout are beneficial and can be enhanced with refresher courses. Better implemented programs including both person- and organization-directed measures should be offered and evaluated. Practice implications A combination of both intervention types should be further investigated, optimized and practiced. Institutions should recognize the need for and make burnout intervention programs available to employees.

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Patient Education and Counseling
2010
Profession(s)
Healthcare Workers (General)
Mental Health Workers
Social Workers
Topic(s)
Burnout
Mental Health
Resource Types
Peer-Reviewed Research
Study Type(s)
Systematic Review / Meta-Analysis
Action Strategy Area(s)
Commitment & Governance
Worker & Learner Engagement
Setting(s)
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Academic Role(s)
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