Reduction of Burnout Syndrome in Health Workers through a Cognitive-Behavioural Model-Based Program: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Peruvian primary healthcare professionals experience high levels of burnout syndrome (BS). This study aims to assess the impact of a cognitive-behavioural model-based (CBMB) program as an occupational intervention to reduce burnout in primary healthcare providers. A total of 29 workers (intervention group = 16) took part in a CBMB intervention training program consisting of one 1-hour weekly session over a period of 6 weeks. Scores of each burnout dimension, as well as other variables, were measured at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up period using self-report questionnaires. Data collected at these three-time points were analysed using effect size measures and sensitivity statistic. Comparison between pre-intervention and post-intervention scores indicates that emotional exhaustion has the highest improvement among all burnout dimensions (50%), followed by cynicism, but no changes were found with follow-up scores. In the same way, no changes were found in professional efficacy at any stage. The CBMB intervention program showed a short-term reduction of BS in primary healthcare workers, but only in two dimensions of the burnout experience, emotional exhaustion and cynicism.