Emotionally exhausted: 4 out of 10 in the hospital.

Emotionally exhausted: 4 out of 10 in the hospital.

A current study by the University of Kassel shows alarming results about the psychological stress of employees in hospital social services in Germany. According to the surveys carried out in November 2023 and more than 2,500 hospital locations, 42.6 % of those surveyed report on frequent or constant emotional exhaustion. Compared to other professional groups in the social area, this value is significantly higher. The examination also showed an average load value of 82 points on a scale of 0-100, which is about 40 points above the industry average. The Uni Kassel emphasizes that the average of burnout symptoms in these services is 54 points, while only 51 points are achieved in general social work.

In addition to emotional requirements, the study also identifies high quantitative loads in discharge management as essential causes of the frightening situation. In addition, 70.1 % of those surveyed stated that they had gone to work sick in the past twelve months. This illustrates the enormous pressure under which these employees are.

health promotion and prevention needs

An important aspect of the study is the discrepancy between the offers for health promotion and their use. While 73.0 % of employees report that there are offers for health promotion in their facility, only 39.4 % actually took part. Nevertheless, there is great interest in stress management courses: 55.5 % of the respondents expressed. The Uni Kassel emphasizes the need to address this discrepancy in order to ensure a comprehensive implementation of risk assessments of psychological stress.

Overall, it can be said that burnout in healthcare is a widespread and serious problem. According to a study by Fischer et al. It was found that around 50 % of nursing staff in somatic institutions have at least moderate burnout symptoms, whereby somatic nursing staff are more affected. These results match the results from ORF , which also indicate the general increase in burnout rates in health professions.

causes and effects

The causes of burnout are complex: emotional stress, rigid hierarchies, cost pressure and long working hours strain the employees. It is particularly worrying that errors in treatment are often due to revision and stress. Study participants reported symptoms such as fatigue, listlessness and exhaustion; In extreme cases, this can lead to the risk of suicide. It is a dangerous circulation because the symptoms can lead to frequent sick leave and possible complications such as depression or heart attacks.

preventive measures are therefore essential. Support from a college: inside and by occupational physicians and psychologists are recommended. The lack of staff and incorrect personnel deployment also contribute to the risk of burnout. In the long term, the setting of additional employees could be cheaper.

This study not only provides insights into the health challenges of employees in hospital social services, but also offers an evidence -based basis for necessary political measures to improve working conditions in healthcare.