LÉKARSKÉ VYHORENÍ: KVALITATIVNÍ STUDIE/Medical burnout: qualitative study

Objectives. Healthcare professionals are at risk when it comes to burnout -- a stress-induced occupational syndrome. The study focuses on incidence of burnout among healthcare professionals and their coping strategies. Sample and setting. The qualitative part presents an analysis of 43 autobiographical stories involving burnout. They were collected as a part of a national study of stress, depression and burnout in the medical profession which was commissioned by The First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University in cooperation with the Czech Medical Association. Analysis. The qualitative thematic analysis was used. Results. Physicians who participated in the study had experienced mostly negative emotions. Their exhaustion and discontent resulted mostly from work conditions and, in some cases, from personal attitudes. An active approach to one's professional and private life turned out to be a successful coping strategy. Mere reduction of a number of stressful situations without solving them proved unsuccessful. The study shows that reflection and active approach are important both for reducing, as well as for preventing burnout. Further research could identify other coping and preventive strategies.