Burnout in Health Social Work: an international systematic review (2000–2020)
Paula Frieiro, Carmen Verde Diego, Tamara Fernández Arias, Rubén González‐Rodríguez
Abstract
Health Social Work, as a subspecialty whose interventions are carried out with individuals and families immersed in processes of health difficulties, is a caring profession potentially susceptible to the development of burnout. We intended to synthesise and analyze the available evidence on burnout among Health Social Work professionals, through a systematic, international review from 2000 to the present. The systematic review followed the PRISMA standards, and a narrative synthesis analysis was generated. The selection of studies was done through the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), and the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) databases. 231 references were found, of which a total of 14 studies were finally analyzed, finding the following determinants and common points on burnout: the influence of the work setting, increased job turnover, relationship with physical and mental well-being, the importance of coping skills training, and the influence of sociodemographic variables, specifically gender. Burnout is notably prevalent in Health Social Work, going so far as to exceed that of other social health professions. Research determines that the creation and promotion of prevention and coping strategies are a necessary task.