Burnout and Depression Among UK-Based Healthcare Professionals: Insights From a 3-Year Prospective Cohort Study Regarding Potential Mitigation Strategies.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of changes in perceived workplace support (PWS) and overall lifestyle on depression and burnout among UK-based health care professionals (HCPs) over 3 years, and the impact on staff attrition. The study used online surveys at baseline (July-September 2020), 4-month, and 3-year follow-up, assessing depression (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-9), burnout domains, PWS and lifestyle. The 3-year follow-up assessed intention-to-leave role. Over 4 months ( n = 614), improved lifestyle and PWS were associated with reduced depression, and PWS was associated with reduced depersonalization. Over 3 years ( n = 309), improved lifestyle was associated with reduced depression and emotional exhaustion, and improved PWS was associated with reduced emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. A unit increase in PHQ-9 score was associated with 10% increased risk of intention-to-leave within next 2 years. There is an important role of organizational-based approaches to mitigate both depressive symptoms and burnout in HCPs, with subsequent potential benefit of reduced attrition rate.