Factors influencing burnout among healthcare professionals at selected hospitals in the Ehlanzeni District, South Africa

Abstract

The healthcare profession has emerged as one of the professions that is mostly prone to burnout. Burnout is a major problem affecting healthcare professionals nationwide and abroad. When employees experience burnout, it becomes difficult to remain productive at work since this starts to impact negatively on their occupational functioning. Although studies have been done on burnout, very little is known about factors that influence burnout among healthcare professionals. Knowledge around the concept of burnout and accompanying risk factors is vital for early detection and intervention. The study aimed to explore on the factors that influence burnout among healthcare professionals at selected hospitals in Ehlanzeni District, South Africa. A qualitative research approach using phenomenological research design was used for the study. A sample was chosen from the target population by means of convenient sampling. The total number of participants was determined by a rapid assessment test which was used to screen burnout among the professionals. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview guide. The data collected was analyzed using thematic content analysis. The findings show that burnout is influenced by a number of different factors (workload, financial problems, emotional exhaustion, poor working relationships, lack of social support, and experience/number of years working at the hospital and personality type. In addition, most healthcare professionals are vulnerable to burnout while some are experiencing it. Also, there are currently no adequate strategies/initiatives put in place to prevent burnout.