Analysis of conditions and nature of work of therapists: A literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Currently, insufficient attention is paid to nonspecific negative factors of the working environment of therapists, such as exposure to electromagnetic fields from electronic devices, lack of standards for the area of working premises (residence rooms), and non-compliance with the optimal work/rest schedule. Objective: Based on the analysis of literature data, to identify contemporary nonspecific risk factors at workplaces of general practitioners and outline the main ways of their prevention. Materials and methods: We have reviewed scientific publications indexed in international (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed) and domestic (RSCI) databases for 2014–2023. Of more than 2,000 sources found, we selected 89 given the keywords and then included 49 papers published over the past 5 years in the review. Results: Modern therapists are exposed to combined physical and biological factors and experience psychological stress, leading to a higher incidence of work-related diseases. Long-term exposures to risk factors of the work environment increase the risk of job burnout and psychological maladjustment resulting in negative personality changes, deterioration of health and relationships with colleagues, patients, relatives and, ultimately, a decrease in the effectiveness and quality of medical care provided. Conclusions: We have considered and systematized factors of the work environment of therapists with a focus on less studied, but no less significant current nonspecific negative factors, and outlined the main directions for solving the problem of maintaining health of medical professionals.