Physiotherapy & Burnout : Are we caring for the carer?
Hello my name is Krutika. I am a physiotherapy graduate from India & have worked in a Private MSK & Paediatric setting for a year. I am currently studying MSc (Advanced) in Neurological Rehabilitation at the University of Plymouth.
I have always been fascinated by the wonders of Neurosciences and Neurological Rehabilitation which led to me pursuing this course to gain even a deeper insight into this subject. I would like to discuss about the adverse effects of burnout in the physiotherapy professional.
What is Burnout?
Burnout refers to the emotional depletion and loss of motivation that results from prolonged exposure to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors on the job ( Leiter, M.P., Maslach, C. and Frame, K. (2015)). In simple terms, it is the body’s reaction to overworking which manifests itself in the form of stress. The occurrence of burnout is usually following a poor work-life balance and can thus harm the person’s productivity. It is a vicious cycle of not wanting to rest and not having the energy to continue working further. Recent times have seen an epidemic of mental health disorders among the healthcare workers without having the necessary means or time to find the right care for themselves.
Working as a physiotherapist
A Physiotherapist plays an important role in the patient’s journey to recovery. It is a common occurrence for physical therapy professionals to spend more time with the patients because of the extensive duration of the rehabilitation process. More often than not the patient feels more comfortable interacting with the physio regarding their mental state which might turn out to be one of the stressors on the job. If not handled correctly the unhealthy mental state of the patients can further affect the quality of rehabilitation and can manifest in the patient's behavior as :
Reduced eagerness to participate in the treatment session.
Irritation and might burst out at times.
Talks about self in a demeaning manner.
Always worrying about progress.
This puts higher pressure on the physio and can cause physical as well as mental burnout. Burnout & lack of productivity go hand in hand, which makes it more necessary to find healthier ways of work management. Burnout experienced by a physical therapist can have a detrimental effect on patients, therapists, and the facilities in which they are employed (Neil D. Schuster, David L. Nelson, Carolyn Quisling, 1984)
Effects of The Pandemic
Studies before the pandemic have already indicated a high prevalence of burnout among physiotherapists. The onslaught of COVID-19 has led to an increased workload on the registered staff as well as the student physiotherapists. There is a sense of emotional exhaustion due to reduced personal accomplishment. This has worsened the working conditions. Physio’s often feel exhausted to the point of apathy, leading to burnout. Instances of not being able to help the patients have caused feelings of self-doubt & guilt which leads to avoidance of rest & relaxation which is essential for better productivity.
Help is available
Acknowledging burnout among physiotherapists has become more important to the healthcare profession than ever before. There is a need for employers to recognize & eliminate the stressors, creating a healthy work environment. An ideal workplace should divide the patient load appropriately, implement breaks at certain intervals and can provide access to professional counseling whenever necessary. This will lead to increased productivity among the physio’s while maintaining their mental wellness.
Self-determining their needs and limits can help physiotherapists to work better & help patients in more efficient ways. It is essential to maintain a schedule beyond work, that consists of activities for the self like practicing mindfulness, basic physical activity, treating yourself with your favorite meal, or spending time with friends and family.
Resources
Physiotherapy professionals can refer to various resources present in the public domain to attain mindfulness and overall mental well-being. I have suggested a few resources of my own that you can look at in the future:
Books
Burnout by Emily & Amelia Nagoski
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
Touching Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh
Podcasts
Happy Place by Fearne Cotton
References
Burnout. In The Encyclopedia of Clinical Psychology Leiter, M.P, Maslach, C. and Frame, K. (2015)
Burnout Among Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy, Volume 64, Issue 3, 1 March 1984, Neil D. Schuster, David L. Nelson, Carolyn Quisling