Measures to Prevent and Reduce Healthcare Worker Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction In the COVID-19 era, burnout is a major occupational hazard among healthcare workers. This scoping review intended to investigate the pertinent literature concerning COVID-19 burnout among healthcare workers (HCWs) and the measures to prevent and reduce HCW burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The databases CINAHL, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus were systematically searched and screened for relevant papers. Additionally, manual searching was employed to supplement the electronic database results. The researchers examined 21 publications to answer the research question, “What have been the measures to prevent and reduce healthcare worker burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic?” The PRISMA 2020 checklist was used to guide the reporting of this scoping review. Results It was found that to diminish healthcare workers’ burnout, it is vital to use multilevel, evidence-based approaches. These interventions may include increasing awareness of the risks and preparing for potential occupational stress and burnout; promoting mindfulness and self-care practices to enhance mental well-being; enhancing organizational policies and procedures to address burnout among healthcare workers; and ensuring the availability of optimal mental health services, including the use of digital technologies to address workplace stress and facilitate mental health interventions. Conclusion The interventions to prevent and reduce HCW burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic include supporting HCWs individually, improving work environments, and addressing health system factors contributing to burnout complemented by interventions aimed at enhancing work culture.