Our purpose was to identify the extent of burnout in individuals with a physiotherapy license in Manitoba, Canada, factors associated with and predictive of burnout, as well as perceived effects and strategies to mitigate burnout.
We conducted an observational, cross-sectional online survey (Survey Monkey) for four weeks in early 2024. We used a modified Dillman approach to recruit a convenience sample of individuals who had a physiotherapy license, and could read, write, and understand English. We asked demographic, employment, and burnout related questions (Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT)). The BAT is a valid and reliable, 22-item questionnaire to identify burnout and the risk of burnout. We completed cognitive interviews of our survey to ensure face validity, and pilot tested the survey for clarity and ease of completion. We conducted descriptive, association (Fisher’s exact test) and binary logistic regression statistics (p value≤ 0.05), and an inductive analysis of open-ended responses.
The response rate was 21.9% (N= 238). Many respondents (N = 114, 47.9%) were burnt-out/at risk for burnout. There were significant associations between burnout/at risk for burnout and age (p = 0.028, N = 238), sector of practice (p = 0.022, N = 228), and number of hours worked per week (p = 0.019, N = 228). Respondents employed in private practice were less likely than those in public practice to experience burnout/at risk for burnout (OR = 0.35, 95%CI [0.18-0.68]). Respondents working 21-40 hours per week were three times more likely than respondents working 0-20 hours per week to experience burnout/at risk for burnout (OR=3.26, 95%CI [1.12-9.43]). Respondents working ≥ 41 hours per week were six times more likely to experience burnout/at risk for burnout compared to respondents working 0-20 hours per week (OR=6.0, 95%CI [1.64-21.89]). Most respondents strongly agreed that burnout affected physiotherapists, patients, and the place of employment, and described several additional effects of burnout. Furthermore, respondents identified numerous strategies to mitigate burnout specific to the workplace, and to a lesser extent, the individual.
Many individuals with a physiotherapy license in Manitoba, Canada are burnt-out or at risk for burnout. Public practice employees are more likely to experience burnout/ at risk of for burnout, as are individuals who work a greater number of hours per week. Burnout may lead to negative effects on physiotherapists, patients, and the workplace. Strategies specific to the workplace or individual may mitigate burnout. Future research could explore perceptions of factors contributing to burnout in public practice settings.
Strategies to mitigate burnout must be implemented by workplaces and individuals.
Physiotherapy
Canada
