Prevalence of burnout among physiotherapists: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Burnout is a work-related syndrome with negative consequences for professionals and patients. Physiotherapists are exposed to the risk of burnout because of specific work-related factors. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of burnout among physiotherapists. Data sources: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and PsycINFO, from inception to February 1st, 2022. Study selection or eligibility criteria: Studies reporting burnout prevalence among physiotherapists. Data Extraction and Data Synthesis: Prevalence of burnout. Sub-analyses were performed grouping studies based on countries where surveys were conducted, classified as developed or developing countries. The risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: 32 studies were included in the systematic review and 31 in the meta-analysis, enrolling a total of 5984 physiotherapists from 17 countries. Pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) of burnout was 8% (4-15). Prevalence figures for Maslach Burnout Inventory dimensions were: (i) emotional exhaustion, 27% (21-34) (ii) depersonalization, 23% (15-32) (iii) low personal accomplishment, 25% (15-40). Both overall and single components prevalence was higher, although not significantly, in studies from developing than in developed countries. Limitations: Tools used to assess burnout and cut-off scores chosen to identify the burnout prevalence differed across studies. Conclusion and implications of key findings: Prevalence of burnout reported by physiotherapists appears high worldwide, in particular in developing countries, and compares with that reported by nurses and physicians. Substantial heterogeneity in the prevalence of burnout, in its definition and assessment methods across studies, and limited quality of most studies precludes drawing definitive conclusions.