Prevalence and Severity of Burnout Risk Among Musculoskeletal Allied Health Practitioners: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This systematic literature review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of burnout among musculoskeletal allied health clinicians according to the three dimensions of burnout – emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and personal accomplishment. Search terms were used to identify original research articles investigating burnout among musculoskeletal allied health professionals (chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and podiatrists) using three electronic databases. To ensure consistency across data analysis and interpretation, only studies which employed the gold standard Maslach Burnout Inventory to measure burnout risk were included. Meta-analyses were conducted to calculate the pooled prevalence of high burnout for each of the three domains of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, personal accomplishment). Subgroup analyses by health profession and continent were also conducted. The search identified 54 eligible studies for inclusion. The pooled prevalence of high burnout risk for each of the three domains of the Maslach Burnout Inventory were as follows: high emotional exhaustion, 0.40 (95% confidence interval: 0.29–0.51); high depersonalisation, 0.26 (95% confidence interval: 0.07–0.53); and low personal accomplishment, 0.25 (95% confidence interval: 0.05–0.53). Pooled mean total scores indicated moderate levels of burnout risk across all three domains. Subgroup analyses showed physical therapists had the greatest overall burnout risk, and chiropractors the lowest. Geographical differences were also observed. Musculoskeletal allied health professionals frequently experience increased burnout risk related to emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. Differences in burnout risk prevalence and severity were also evident among professions and geographical locations, indicating that techniques for resolving burnout should be adapted to specific professions and cultural contexts.