Burn out: psychologically suffering caregivers feel helpless

The adage that shoemakers wear the worst shoes sometimes finds an illustration in everyday life. This could, for example, apply to nurses and orderlies who shouted their fed up and their suffering at work in many cities in France at the start of the week. Is this discomfort symptomatic of a more general situation that concerns all health professionals? The online survey entitled “Suffering of health professionals” and conducted in November 2015 by the international firm Stéthos replied in the affirmative. The study then revealed that nearlyone in two caregivers had already been burned out or at high risk of burn out.

A psychological distress which is accompanied by an increased risk of dependence on alcohol or anxiolytics still pointed out the investigation.

Problem, health professionals feel helpless in the event of psychological suffering. Three-quarters of caregivers surveyed * say they would seek help if they were ever in a situation of distress burn out type Where addictive behavior. But right now they don’t know where to turn.

A national toll-free number to help caregivers in distress

Faced with this observation, the Healthcare Professionals Association announced the establishment in December of a national toll-free number and a platform with dedicated services (reception, guidance, support, etc.). “The platform that we will put in place will have to guide the professional in these adapted structures that we have identified”, specified Eric Henry, president of the association and vice-president of the National Center of Health Professionals (CNPS), quoted by the Pharmacy monitor.

* Survey on the expectations of healthcare professionals in the event of psychological suffering, carried out by Stethos for the SPS between September 19 and October 10, 2016 with 4,019 people (not yet available online).

Read also: Burn out: health professionals affected by professional burnout

Hospital nurses in pain