1. ¹Psychiatric Clinic, Milan State University, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, Milano 20122, Italy
2. ²Dipartimento di Ematologia e Oncologia – Ospedale Centrale, via Boheler 5, Bolzano 39100, Italy
3. ³UO Ematologia – Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, via Venezian 1, Milano 20133, Italy
4. ⁴Università di Perugia – Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, via S. Andrea delle Fratte, Perugia 06156, Italy
5. ⁵Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Cellulari ed Ematologia, Università La Sapienza, via Benevento 6, Roma 00161, Italy
6. ⁶Divisione di Ematologia e di Trapianto di Midollo Osseo, Ospedale Ferrarotto, via Citelli 6, Catania 95124, Italy
7. ⁷Clinica Ematologia-TMO, Università di Milano – Bicocca, Ospedale San Gerardo Nuovo, via Pergolesi 33, Monza 20052, Italy
8. ⁸Dipartimento di Ematologia, Ospedale Umberto I, via Circonvallazione 50, Mestre 30173, Italy
9. ⁹UO Ematologia e Centro Trapianti Midollo Osseo, Ospedale S. Camillo-Forlanini – Circ.ne Gianicolense, Roma 87-00152, Italy
10. ¹⁰Struttura complessa di Ematologia, Ospedale Oncologico Armando Businco, via Jenner 9, Cagliari 09121, Italy
11. ¹¹Dipartimento di Statistica, Università di Milano Bicocca, p.zza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, Milano 20126, Italy
12. ¹²Dipartimento di Ematologia e Oncologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Sforza 35, Milano 20122, Italy

Correspondence: Professor C Bressi, E-mail: cinzia.bressi@unimi.it

Received 11 June 2007; Revised 21 January 2008; Accepted 22 January 2008; Published online 19 February 2008.

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey aimed to evaluate the prevalence of burnout and estimated psychiatric disorders among haemato-oncology healthcare professionals in Italy. The aspects of work that respondents perceive as stressful and satisfying have also been examined. The assessments were made using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), General Health Questionnaire and a study-specific questionnaire. Logistic regression models were applied to show associations between different sources of work-related stress and burnout. Three hundred and eighty-seven out of 440 (87.95%) returned their questionnaires. The scores on MBI subscales indicate a high level of emotional exhaustion in 32.2% of the physicians and 31.9% of the nurses; a high level of Depersonalisation in 29.8 and 23.6%, respectively; and a low level of personal accomplishment in 12.4 and 15.3% respectively. The estimated prevalence of psychiatric disorders was 36.4% in physicians and 28.8% in nurses. Statistical analysis confirmed age, sex, personal dissatisfaction, physical tiredness and working with demanding patients to be associated with burnout. In conclusion, haemato-oncology healthcare professionals report a level of burnout and estimated psychiatric morbidity comparable to other oncological areas. Knowledge of the mechanisms of burnout and preventing and dealing with them is therefore a fundamental requirement for the improvement of quality in health services and job satisfaction.