Burnout prevention in healthcare professionals during COVID-19.

Abstract

Introduction: Burnout syndrome represents the pathological outcome of a stressful process that mainly affects the "helping professions". During the COVID-19 pandemic, pressure on healthcare systems has led to an increase in psychological distress among healthcare workers. The aim of this study is to verify whether the practice of relaxation techniques in healthcare workers can improve emotional balance and stem burnout.

Methods: A small sample of 40 female rehabilitation therapists were divided into two groups (20 experimental group subjects and 20 control group subjects). The Maslach Burnout Inventory was administered to both groups, after informed consent, to highlight the correlation between working hours exceeding 30 hours per week and burnout, by subjecting the experimental group to mindfulness sessions between T0 and T1.

Results: The data analysis highlighted a decrease in burnout in the experimental group after the mindfulness sessions.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that these relaxation techniques can be effective in stemming burnout and promoting psychological well-being. It is therefore possible to hypothesize that such increased and prolonged activities could show a more evident and statistically significant improvement.