LONG-TERM HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS' EXPERIENCES OF BURNOUT AND CORRELATION BETWEEN BURNOUT AND FATIGUE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze the long-term burnout levels of healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in Slovenian nursing homes during the fifth wave of the pandemic; to compare the results of similar facilities in 2020 and 2013; and to examine the correlation between demographics and burnout and fatigue among HCPs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study used a descriptive, correlational cross-sectional method. RESULTS: In the fifth wave, HCPs suffered more from emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and lack of personal accomplishment than in the first wave of the pandemic and in the spring of 2013. The HCPs caring for COVID-19 patients and younger women had higher rates of burnout and fatigue than other occupational groups. There is a strong positive correlation between burnout and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need to address the problem of fatigue and burnout with administrative measures.