Turkish nurses' perspectives on a programme to reduce burnout

BACKGROUND: Burnout is a serious problem among nurses. Programmes to prevent and reduce burnout have been described, but nurses report that they have difficulty attending such programmes and the dropout rate is substantial. AIM: To investigate the perspectives of nurses on burnout and the barriers and facilitators affecting attendance at a burnout reduction programme offered in their institution. METHODS: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with 18 nurses who had volunteered to attend a burnout intervention programme at a University Hospital in Izmir, Turkey. Six of the nurses had not attended any sessions, six attended four or less of the seven and six attended all sessions. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Nurses attributed burnout to their heavy workload and a lack of recognition for their work. Most stated that they need work-directed rather than person-directed interventions to reduce stress and burnout. Attendance at the intervention programme was impeded by such issues as a perceived lack of institution support and the possibility of being seen by other nurses as unable to cope with stress. CONCLUSION: Researchers planning burnout intervention programmes should consider ways of increasing cooperation between the administration and the staff that facilitate attendance at such programmes. A holistic approach involving work-directed and person-directed interventions is recommended.