A survey of burnout among Australian mental health occupational therapists and social workers

Background This study investigated the extent to which occupational therapists and social workers employed in Australian mental health settings are affected by burnout. Method Questionnaires were sent to occupational therapists and social workers who had indicated that they were interested in participating in the study. An overall response rate of 76.6% (n = 304) was achieved. The outcome measure was the Maslach Burnout Inventory (comprising emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment scales). Results There were no significant differences, with respect to any of the three burnout scales, between occupational therapists and social workers. Both groups experienced high emotional exhaustion, moderate depersonalisation, and high personal accomplishment. Levels of burnout were not significantly different between inpatient and community staff. Conclusions These results suggested that, while occupational therapists and social workers reported emotional exhaustion, there was less evidence of depersonalisation and they reported very high personal accomplishment in their work. Results are congruent with those of previous studies and it is argued that the focus of future research should be on identifying characteristics of mental health work that contribute to emotional exhaustion.