Attempting to Prevent Burnout of Physical Therapists within a Midwest Health System: A Phenomenological Study

Burnout is a prevalent problem in healthcare. Burnout is a syndrome comprised of three components: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore what it means to prevent job burnout as a physical therapist while working within a Midwest health system. The aim of this study was to create a framework that may be utilized by faculty to help prepare physical therapy students and leaders to navigate their professional roles in healthcare with an awareness of approaches to prevent burnout. A sample of nine physical therapists completed semi-structured interviews virtually. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Six themes emerged from the data: maintaining perspective, fostering relationships, taking control, practicing self-care, taking advantage of organizational supports, and demonstrating self-awareness. These results were used to propose a dynamic three-part framework utilizing the job-person fit model to prevent burnout in physical therapists: (1) understanding burnout, (2) recognizing contributing factors to burnout, and (3) applying evidence-based approaches to preventing burnout in an individualized way. The results and proposed solution from this DIP study have the potential to prevent burnout in physical therapists, starting with DPT students. By preventing burnout, physical therapists may achieve a greater sense of engagement and overall well-ness, organizations may have lower costs and better outcomes, and patients may experience better care. Keywords: burnout, physical therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, leadership, transformational leadership

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Miller, Karolyn

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Fuller, Constance

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10504/130418

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/130418