Title : Determinants of burnout and coping mechanisms among palliative care professionals in a low-resource MIC
Abstract:
Background: To date, no research has been conducted on the prevalence of burnout, psychological distress, and coping techniques used by palliative care professionals in the low-resource MIC of Kazakhstan.
Aim: To understand emotional challenges faced by palliative care professionals and to identify determinants of burnout and coping mechanisms among palliative care professionals.
Methods: We conducted a national qualitative study utilizing semi-structured in-depth interviews with a total of 41 nurses and 17 physicians from palliative care services across Kazakhstan. The interviews were conducted in Russian and Kazakh languages, audio recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and then analyzed using grounded theory in NVivo software.
Results: Four major themes emerged from our analysis: an emotional connection with patients, determinants for burnout, denial of burnout, and coping mechanisms in a low-resource setting. To our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to identify a systematic pattern of denying emotional stress and burnout among palliative care professionals. Our findings revealed that about half of participants underestimate the extent of or deny emotional stress and burnout. This is often marked by self-reported “numbness” to stress as a response to years of working and a tendency to suppress one’s emotions and ignore or downplay emotional stress. Most commonly employed coping mechanisms among palliative care nurses and physicians include seeking support from colleagues, spending time with family, and individual self-care practices.
Conclusion: The findings of this study address issues related to psychological morbidity, and emphasize the importance of implementing training programs focused on enhancing emotional resilience and coping strategies for palliative care professionals.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- The audience will gain a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of burnout, psychological distress, determinants for developing burnout, and mechanisms of coping used among palliative care professionals in resource-limited settings, specifically focusing on nurses in this field.
- The audience will acquire insights into the determinants of burnout among palliative care professionals, predominantly nurses, enabling them to identify potential risk factors and develop strategies for prevention.
- They will understand the coping mechanisms employed by palliative care professionals in low-resource settings, which can be applied to their own practice or shared with colleagues to promote well-being and resilience.
- The research outcomes will help the audience in their job by raising awareness about the emotional challenges and burnout experienced by palliative care professionals. This knowledge will enable them to develop strategies to mitigate burnout risks and enhance emotional well-being among palliative care nurses.
- Faculty members can use the research findings as a basis for expanding their own research projects in the field of palliative care, emotional well-being, and coping mechanisms. This research can lead to new insights and contribute to the existing body of knowledge on burnout and resilience in healthcare professionals.
- The identification of denial of burnout among palliative care nurses and physicians provides a practical solution that can be integrated into training programs or workshops for palliative care professionals. This can simplify the process of addressing burnout and improving emotional resilience in the workplace.
- The research can assist designers or developers of interventions, programs, or policies in the field of palliative care by providing new information on the specific challenges faced by professionals in low-resource settings. This knowledge can help them design more targeted and effective solutions to support the emotional well-being of palliative care professionals.
- The findings may also have implications for the broader nursing community, allowing the audience to share insights and knowledge gained from this research with their peers. This knowledge exchange can contribute to a culture of well-being and resilience in nursing practice and education, benefiting the overall healthcare system.
