Abstract: FR-PO540
Professional Fulfillment and Burnout Among US Dialysis Technicians: A National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists (NANT) Survey
Session Information
- Home Dialysis, Policy, Novel Approaches
November 04, 2022 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Orange County Convention Center‚ West Building
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 701 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- Urbanski, Megan Anne, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Rickenbach, Fran W., National Institute of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists, Dayton, Ohio, United States
- Bender, Alexis A., Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Hoge, Courtney E., Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Douglas- Ajayi, Clarica, National Institute of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists, Dayton, Ohio, United States
- Morgan, Jennifer Craft, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Jaar, Bernard G., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Plantinga, Laura, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Background
High levels of professional fulfillment and low levels of burnout are necessary for a stable, satisfied dialysis workforce. We examined professional fulfillment and burnout among critical frontline hemodialysis staff — dialysis technicians.
Methods
A one-time, anonymous, online survey was administered to NANT members, recruited via postcards distributed at professional conferences, newsletter and social media announcements, and direct emails. Surveys included Likert-scale items (range, 0-4; see Figure) related to professional fulfillment and two domains of burnout (work exhaustion and interpersonal disengagement).
Results
A total of 222 working U.S. dialysis technicians [42.6% aged 35-49; 83.9% female; 20.8% Black; 15.7% Hispanic] completed the survey. Overall domain scores for professional fulfillment, work exhaustion, and interpersonal disengagement [median (interquartile range)] were 2.6 (2.0-3.2), 2.3 (1.3-3.0), and 1.0 (0.3-1.8), respectively; scores for individual items are shown in the Figure. More than half of respondents stated that salary (66.5%), supervisor support (64.0%), respect from other dialysis staff (57.8%), sense of purpose about work (54.5%), hours worked per week (52.9%), respect from patients (52.0%), and autonomy (50.4%) “contributed a lot” to fulfillment and burnout.
Conclusion
NANT members report moderate professional fulfillment and low interpersonal disengagement scores, but high work exhaustion scores, which may lead to burnout and compromise patient safety. We identified several modifiable factors, including competitive salaries, reduced workloads and/or work hours, and improved collegial relationships, that could be addressed to improve professional fulfillment and reduce burnout among dialysis technicians.