Effects of internet-based, psychosocial, and early medical interventions on professional burnout in health care workers: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of professional burnout increased among healthcare workers during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, with negative effects on their mental health. Consequently, research interest in methods to decrease the prevalence of burnout and reduce the effects of burnout on healthcare workers has increased. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Internet-based, psychosocial, and early medical interventions on professional burnout among healthcare workers. Methodology: This systematic review and meta-analysis involved 8004 articles identified from four databases: Cochrane, Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, and clinical trials. Results: Four articles were included in the systematic review, of which two could be meta-analyzed. The pooled effect of the group of interventions compared to control conditions was not statistically significant. Discussion: Evaluating therapeutic effectiveness requires more clinical trials that allow its evaluation. Although we did not find improvements in the three intervention categories, the methodological heterogeneity in each intervention and the need for a standardized intervention guide for managing and decreasing professional burnout, subject to the evaluation of its impact, are highlighted.

Keywords

• Professional burnout
• Internet-based intervention
• Psychosocial intervention
• Early medical intervention
• Systematic literature review