TAKING CARE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL’S WELL-BEING

Abstract

The main purpose of this case study is to describe the work conditions related to the development of Burnout Syndrome in an Oncology and Palliative Care unit of the North Metropolitan Health Service, in the year 2013. This study evaluated the presence of Burnout Syndrome, Mental Workload and Psychosocial Risk Factors, which were assessed with three standardized tests: Maslach Burnout Inventory, NASA TLX and ISTAS 21, respectively, besides a personal data questionnaire. The study population was formed by twelve people, mainly women. Six were doctors, four were nurses and two were nursing technicians. The main results are: all individuals suffered from Burnout Syndrome or were in risk of developing it. The main mental workload causes were mental and timing requirements, and exposition to psychosocial risk factors related to psychological requirements and “double – presence”. These results highlight the importance of making an intervention not only with oncology patients, but also with the health team, who are exposed to many requirements, which can affect the professional’s work and personal quality of life.