Enhancing Respiratory Therapists' Well-Being: Battling Burnout in Respiratory Care

Respir Care. 2023 May;68(5):692-705. doi: 10.4187/respcare.10632. Epub 2022 Dec 5.

Abstract

Burnout is a major problem in health care and is associated with adverse sequelae for patients, health care workers, and organizations. Burnout among respiratory therapists (RTs) is as high as 79% and is associated with poor or ineffective leadership, inadequate staffing, high work load, non-leadership position, and work environment. An understanding of burnout is necessary for both staff and leadership to ensure RT well-being. This narrative review will discuss the psychology of burnout, prevalence, drivers, mitigation strategies, and future directions for research.

Keywords: burnout; leadership; management; respiratory care practitioner; respiratory therapist; respiratory therapy; well-being.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allied Health Personnel
  • Burnout, Professional* / epidemiology
  • Burnout, Professional* / etiology
  • Burnout, Professional* / prevention & control
  • Burnout, Psychological
  • Health Personnel / psychology
  • Humans
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Workload