Contributing Factors to Burnout in Healthcare Professionals – does Emotional Intelligence Play A Protective Role? A Narrative Review

Background: In light of the concerning increase in burnout among healthcare professionals, it is essential to identify the specific factors that contribute to this phenomenon and that can be addressed. This review examines the relationship between burnout and emotional intelligence (EI) among healthcare professionals, alongside additional factors that may influence both concepts. Methods: A comprehensive search of OVID, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted for peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2000 and 2024. Inclusion criteria required studies to investigate both burnout and EI in healthcare professionals. 31 eligible peer-reviewed studies were included in the final analysis. Results: The findings suggest a consistent inverse correlation between EI and burnout across various healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and residents. Higher EI was associated with reduced levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and a greater sense of personal accomplishment. Burnout was found to be prevalent among younger healthcare workers, particularly residents, with contributing factors including exposure to workplace violence, high workload, and diminished psychological ownership. Oppositely, protective influences on emotional intelligence included spiritual intelligence, self-control, income, and healthy habits, such as sufficient sleep and physical activity. Conclusions: Higher EI appears to be inversely associated to burnout among healthcare professionals. Given that both burnout and EI are affected by adjustable individual and organizational elements, specific interventions aimed at enhancing EI and improving workplace conditions may provide effective techniques to boost clinician well-being and performance.