Is burn-out-syndrome a problem among oncology workers? Incidence and effective tools to achieve improvement

• Published in: Journal of clinical oncology Vol. 38; no. 15_suppl; p. 11016
• Main Authors: Cunquero Tomas, Alberto Jacobo, Ortega, Inmaculada, Gomez, Ana, Lobo De Mena, Miriam, Ramirez Belloch, María del Rocío, Gil Raga, Mireia, Iranzo, Vega, Fernandez Diaz, Amaya Belen, Shaheen, Ihsan, Meri Abad, Marina, Núñez Abad, Martin, Franco de la Rosa, Milagros, Aparisi, Francisco, Safont Aguilera, Maria Jose, Godes, Maria Jose, Berrocal, Alfonso, Caballero, Cristina, Blasco, Ana, Camps, Carlos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 20.05.2020
• ISSN: 0732-183X; 1527-7755
• DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2020.38.15_suppl.11016

Abstract only 11016 Background: Burn-Out Syndrome (BOS) is defined by (1) emotional and physical exhaustion; (2) cynicism and depersonalization; and (3) no personal nor professional fulfillment. It affects up to 78% of oncology-related workers (doctors, nurses and nurse-assistants, among others). This may decrease quality in both patient assistance and institutional processes. However, there is lack of resources for its diagnosis and management. Our objective is to: (1) determine the incidence of BOS in our team; (2) analyze potential causes; and (3) decrease in 20% the percentage of BOS affected workers. Methods: From October 2018 to November 2019, 20 nurses and nurse-assistants participated. Process map and Ishikawa fish-bone diagram were design to analyze BOS potential causes and to design appropriate interventions after Priority/pay-off matrix description. To do so, participants were asked to fulfill a personal detail questionnaire at the beginning, and adapted versions for the GHQ-12 and Maslach Index questionnaires after each intervention. To track the improvement process, a PDSA cycle was fulfilled and re-evaluated overtime. Project developed through the ASCO Quality Training Program and the Fundación ECO support. Results: Population main characteristics: 87% women, 47-year-old median age. 12 nurses, 6 working in the clinic. 90% with more than 5 years of experience in Oncology. At baseline, 75% healthy (GHQ-12), BOS cause risk: exhaustion 70%, depersonalization 45%, fulfillment 55%. Two interventions developed to improve exhaustion BOS risk: (1) ergonomy tips; and (2) self-assessment and self-help tools. 9 subjects lost after 2nd intervention. After interventions, 34% exhaustion risk reduction and 100% healthy workers (GHQ-12). Conclusions: After two interventions, we have achieved an improvement of 34% lowering the risk of suffering BOS among our workers. Health perception improved to 100%. The loss of 9 subjects after the 2nd intervention may be a bias when interpreting the final results. Giving the appropriate tools to medical oncology workers helps reduce BOS risk significantly