Staff burnout and its risk factors at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND

There is limited research on burnout among healthcare providers in sub-Saharan Africa. One prior study of Rwanda anesthesia providers found a moderate level of burnout, and several qualitative studies have highlighted significant stressors. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of professional fulfillment, burnout, and fatigue among healthcare providers at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda (KFH), a tertiary-level teaching hospital in Kigali, Rwanda.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted from August to November 2023 at KFH. Participants included all staff employed at KFH at the time of survey distribution, including both non-clinical and clinical staff. Burnout, fatigue, and professional fulfillment were assessed using validated tools (Professional Fulfillment Index, Burnout Scale, and Fatigue Assessment Scale).

FINDINGS

Two hundred ninety-four respondents completed the survey. 47.1% reported professional fulfillment, while over half (57.0%) experienced burnout, and the majority experienced fatigue (71.0%). Years of experience and profession were found to be risk factors for burnout and low fulfillment. Age and profession were risk factors for fatigue. The highest levels of burnout were among doctors, nurses, and midwives.

DISCUSSION

Burnout rates and fatigue were high among healthcare providers. They were highest among those professions with direct patient contact. There are several evidence-based institutional interventions for burnout, but most evidence comes from settings outside of sub-Saharan Africa. Future research should assess the effectiveness of interventions specific to this setting.