Burnout and coping strategies of polytrauma team members caring for veterans with traumatic brain injury.

Saban KL, Hogan TP, Defrino D, Evans CT, Bauer ED, Pape TL, Steiner M, Proescher EJ, Vlasses FR, Smith BM. Burnout and coping strategies of polytrauma team members caring for veterans with traumatic brain injury. Brain injury. 2013 Aug 21; 27(3):301-9.

Related HSR&D Project(s)

• SDR 08-409 – Evaluation of TBI Screening Processes and Healthcare Utilization

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Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this national study were to (1) examine the extent of job burnout among VA Polytrauma team members engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI); and (2) identify their coping strategies for dealing with job-related stress. DESIGN: A cross-sectional sample of 233 VA Polytrauma team members completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and identified strategies for coping with work stress as part of an online survey. RESULTS: VA Polytrauma team members experience moderate levels of emotional exhaustion, but low levels of depersonalization and high levels of personal accomplishment. Moreover, 24% of participants reported high levels of emotional exhaustion, which may be a precursor to job burnout. Participants who reported caring for veterans with TBI = 50% of their time experienced higher levels of emotional exhaustion than those who spent < 50% of their time (p? = 0.001). Five major thematic categories related to coping strategies emerged from the data: (1) connecting with others, (2) promoting a healthy lifestyle, (3) pursuing outside interests, (4) managing work environment and (5) maintaining positive thinking. CONCLUSION: Polytrauma team members caring for Veterans with TBI may be at risk for job burnout.