TY - JOUR
T1 - A mixed methods study of emotional exhaustion
T2 - Energizing and depleting work within an innovative healthcare team
AU - Cain, Cindy L
AU - Taborda-Whitt, Caitlin
AU - Frazer, Monica
AU - Schellinger, Sandra
AU - White, Katie M.
AU - Kaasovic, Jason
AU - Nelson, Brenda
AU - Chant, Allison
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Taylor & Francis.
PY - 2017/11/2
Y1 - 2017/11/2
N2 - This mixed methods study documents emotional exhaustion experiences among care team members during the development of an innovative team approach for caring for adults with serious illness. A mixed methods study design was employed to examine depleting work experiences that may produce emotional exhaustion, and energizing aspects of the work that may increase meaningfulness of work, thus reducing emotional exhaustion. The population studied included team members involved in care for adults with serious illness (n = 18). Team members were surveyed quarterly over an 18-month period using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The MBI measures burnout, defined as the inability to continue work because of the interactional toll of the work. Analyses of MBI data show that although overall levels of burnout are low, 89% of team members reported moderate/high levels of emotional exhaustion during at least one survey period. In order to understand the kinds of work experiences that may produce or ameliorate emotional exhaustion, qualitative interviews were also conducted with team members at the end of the 18-month period. Major qualitative findings indicate that disputes within the team, environmental pressures, and standardisation of meaningful work leave team members feeling depleted. Having authentic relationships with patients, working as a team, believing in the care model, and practicing autonomy and creativity help team members to restore their emotional energy. Supports for team members’ well-being are critical for continued innovation. We conclude with recommendations for improving team members’ well-being.
AB - This mixed methods study documents emotional exhaustion experiences among care team members during the development of an innovative team approach for caring for adults with serious illness. A mixed methods study design was employed to examine depleting work experiences that may produce emotional exhaustion, and energizing aspects of the work that may increase meaningfulness of work, thus reducing emotional exhaustion. The population studied included team members involved in care for adults with serious illness (n = 18). Team members were surveyed quarterly over an 18-month period using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The MBI measures burnout, defined as the inability to continue work because of the interactional toll of the work. Analyses of MBI data show that although overall levels of burnout are low, 89% of team members reported moderate/high levels of emotional exhaustion during at least one survey period. In order to understand the kinds of work experiences that may produce or ameliorate emotional exhaustion, qualitative interviews were also conducted with team members at the end of the 18-month period. Major qualitative findings indicate that disputes within the team, environmental pressures, and standardisation of meaningful work leave team members feeling depleted. Having authentic relationships with patients, working as a team, believing in the care model, and practicing autonomy and creativity help team members to restore their emotional energy. Supports for team members’ well-being are critical for continued innovation. We conclude with recommendations for improving team members’ well-being.
KW - Health services research
KW - interprofessional relations
KW - mixed methods
KW - team culture
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85029593472&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85029593472&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/13561820.2017.1356809
DO - 10.1080/13561820.2017.1356809
M3 - Article
C2 - 28922038
AN - SCOPUS:85029593472
SN - 1356-1820
VL - 31
SP - 714
EP - 724
JO - Journal of interprofessional care
JF - Journal of interprofessional care
IS - 6
ER -