Síndrome de Burnout: uma análise em trabalhadores que atuam na gestão em saúde durante a pandemia de Covid-19

Abstract

Introduction: Burnout is a work-related psychological syndrome. During the COVID-19 pandemic, its increase was observed in several work spaces. Objective: To investigate the existence of Burnout Syndrome in health managers, with a view to understanding the influence of work on the mental health of these professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Quantitative and qualitative study developed in five stages: 1) Integrative Review, carried out to understand the effects and consequences of working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of health professionals, highlighting the factors that may be associated with the development of burnout syndrome. IRaMuTeQ and Descending Hierarchical Classification were used. 2) Scope Review Protocol and 3) Scope Review. Through the protocol and review, it was possible to identify and map studies that used the Maslach Burnout Inventory to assess Burnout Syndrome in health professionals who work in public health services. Developed in accordance with the criteria of the JBI Institute Reviewer’s Manual and guided by PRISMA-ScR. 4) Observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study, designed to investigate the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome and associated factors in public health managers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sociodemographic/occupational questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory were used. Analysis performed using descriptive statistics. Bivariate statistics were performed using Pearson's chi-square test. 5) Qualitative study, developed to identify perceptions of health managers regarding the repercussion of their position on their mental health and strategies used to deal with the adversities of work. Remote interviews were carried out using Google Forms. IRaMuTeQ was used for analysis. Results: The first study showed professional experience, working conditions, financial situation, relationship between work and family, fear of contamination and transmission of the disease as factors associated with Burnout. The protocol guided the scope review, 55 studies were selected, published between 1999 and 2021 in 32 countries, mostly developed in Brazil, with physicians who mostly worked in primary care. We identified 22 versions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory with different items, likerts and cutoff points. Included studies had recommendations and implications for clinical practice. The fourth study showed a prevalence of Burnout of 12.6% (95%CI=7.4-20.7). Burnout was associated with people who reported not having children (PR=3.1; p=0.021) and who felt partially qualified for the position (RP= 3,55; p=0.042). A fifth study showed insufficient human resources, inadequate work environment and excessive demands, as stressors. As strategies to deal with adversities: participatory management, listening to people, meetings and access to Worker's Health Assistance Services. Conclusion: Results show the prevalence of Burnout in managers during the pandemic, associated factors and strategies used to deal with adversities at work. They show the need to discuss the vulnerability of this workforce, since psychic changes can lead to individual, social and organizational damage. Results may contribute to the development of strategies to promote and protect the mental health of these professionals.