UNDERSTANDING BURNOUT SYNDROME AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS: RISK FACTORS AND STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION—A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Burnout syndrome (BOS) is a pervasive and pressing issue among healthcare professionals, profoundly impacting individual well-being and the overall efficiency of healthcare systems. This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine the risk factors driving burnout in healthcare workers and to evaluate the effectiveness of various preventive and mitigation strategies. The review also considers the impact of organizational interventions, including workload management, fostering supportive work environments, and implementing effective leadership practices. The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, relies heavily on maintaining a competent and motivated healthcare workforce. Rising concerns about healthcare personnel well-being—manifested in issues such as the “no bed syndrome” in hospitals—underscore the urgent need for intervention. Evidence indicates that burnout is especially prevalent among critical care healthcare workers, where high stress and demanding work conditions intensify psychological strain. Key strategies to mitigate BOS include reducing intragroup conflict, optimizing skill utilization, and enhancing job satisfaction. Overall, this synthesis highlights the necessity of developing targeted, evidence-based approaches to prevent burnout and ensure the sustainability and resilience of healthcare systems.