Effect of a “Mind-Body Mixed Method Approach” on Physical and Mental Well-Being of Physiotherapy Professionals: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Freudenberger (1974) and Maslach (1976) were the first to describe Burnout Syndrome (BOS). It is defined as a state of mental exhaustion and depression at work accompanied by fatigue and decreased ability to cope with cognitive and emotional needs and mental distancing. Healthcare professionals are most commonly affected by BOS as they spend more hours dealing with the pain and problems of patients. Physiotherapy is a profession that needs long-term interaction with the patients as they also have to deal with patients’ psychological issues like depression and aggression. Thus, physiotherapists as health care providers are markedly exposed to strain because of close interaction with sick people who require medical attention for a longer duration. Many studies have proved the vulnerability of physiotherapists to Burnout Syndrome. But there is less focus on the prevention and management protocols. Prevalence figures for Maslach Burnout Inventory dimensions were: (i) Emotional exhaustion, 27% (ii) Depersonalization, 23% (iii) Low personal accomplishment, 25% . Prevalence was higher in developing than in developed countries. Conclusion of 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