Authors

  1. Hockaday, Melissa S. MSN, ACNP

Abstract

The incidence of burnout syndrome is increasing among all health care disciplines. The core members of the trauma team in high-performing trauma centers are the greatest risk. It is the responsibility of trauma leadership to raise awareness of risk factors, implement standardized assessment tools, and develop strategies to mitigate burnout in employees. The consequences of burnout are devastating to providers' well-being as well as patient safety. Burnout can lead to increased risk of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicide among team members. The development of burnout in team members can negatively impact patient safety. It can increase the risk of medical errors, health care-acquired infections, and declining patient satisfaction scores. It is essential that professional organizations raise awareness of this health care epidemic and provide resources to leaders to impact change.