PREVALENCE OF BURNOUT AMONG HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN ONCOLOGY CENTER DEPARTMENT IN KING FAHAD SPECIALIST HOSPITAL - DAMMAM (2023-2024)

Introduction:Burnout, characterized by work-related stress and emotional exhaustion, is prevalent among healthcare workers, especially in oncology. In oncology, practitioners face unique challenges due to the demanding nature of their work and the emotional toll of treating cancer patients. The incidence of burnout among oncologists has increased globally. Despite existing interventions, burnout remains a significant issue with implications for patient care. This study focuses on understanding burnout in the context of the oncology center at King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, aiming to provide insights for targeted interventions.

Methodology:A cross-sectional study was conducted at a specialized oncology center in Dammam, Saudi Arabia from November 2023 to March 2024, assessing burnout among healthcare professionals using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Professionals. Burnout was defined as scores on emotional exhaustion (EE) scale ≥27 and/or depersonalization (DP) scale ≥10. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures and chi-square or Fisher exact tests. Ethical approval was obtained, and all participants provided consent.

Results:The study included 156 oncology medical personnel, predominantly female (69.9%), aged 30-39 (42.9%), and with less than ten years of practice (54.5%). Most were non-Saudi (59%), married (80.8%), and had children (71.2%). The majority worked 41-60 hours weekly (74.4%) and were nurses (49.4%). Burnout criteria were met by 69.9% of respondents, with high levels of EE (64.1%), DP (51.3%), and low levels of PA (27.6%). Burnout was associated with working over 60 hours weekly (p = 0.002). No significant associations were found with years in practice, patient load, or mortality dealt with weekly. Non-Saudis showed higher levels of Personal Accomplishment (63.5% vs 36.5%, p < 0.001), particularly in the 30-39 age group (p = 0.008). Inpatient and critical care settings had higher burnout rates, especially in medical oncology (72.5%) and pediatric hematology/oncology (77.3%).

Conclusion:This study presents the first in-depth investigation into burnout among oncology medical staff in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, offering valuable insights into its prevalence and contributing factors. The findings exhibit a significant burden of burnout, with higher levels of EE linked to longer weekly working hours, while holding non-clinical jobs appears to mitigate EE levels. Additionally, a diverse workforce exhibits higher PA, particularly among individuals aged 30-39. The study also highlights a notable proportion of burnout cases among those in inpatient and critical care settings. Recommendations include addressing burnout through workload management, support services, professional development, promoting a positive organizational culture, and ongoing research efforts.