Burnout: An Issue for Psychiatric Occupational Therapy Personnel?

This investigation examined if burnout exists among a group of mental health occupational therapy personnel, the degree to which it exists and the personnel's perceptions of their work environments. The study design was a descriptive survey utilizing mailed questionnaires. Ninety-one out of a possible one hundred and thirty-two respondents completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Work Environment Scale and a brief demographic questionnaire. The results indicate that burnout exists at significant levels for these respondents, especially with regards to frequency of feelings of emotional exhaustion and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. The respondents perceive their work environment as generally positive but did identify certain factors of concern such as frustration with departmental and hospital administration. Based on these results, suggestions for occupational therapy personnel and research in mental health are made.