Burnout Risk Among Providers of an Integrated Care Program Supporting Transitions Between the Hospital and Home: A Mixed Methods Evaluation

Integrated care programs (ICPs) are associated with positive patient experiences, but provider experiences remain understudied. We examined burnout in healthcare providers working in an ICP that facilitates hospital-to-home care transitions for patients. We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation comprising a cross-sectional survey of burnout and provider experience using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, open-ended questions, and semi-structured interviews. Twenty-eight participants completed the surveys (31% response rate). Respondents were 75% female, and on average, were 42±10 years old, had spent 19±11 months as providers in the ICP and had cared for a median of 170 (IQR=245) patients. Twenty staff, who were 38±8 years old on average and 95% women, were interviewed. Average total scores were 14±7 out of 42 for emotional exhaustion, 9±6 out of 42 for depersonalization, and 40±5 out of 48 for personal achievement, indicating low, moderate and low burnout respectively. Teamwork was the leading protective factor against emotional exhaustion while positive impact on patients was the leading factor underlying high personal achievement. Perceived under-appreciation was the main driver of depersonalization, moderated by team support and rapport. The ICP was conducive to low burnout due to team support, a manageable workload and high personal achievement derived from effectively supporting patients.