Developing an Intervention Program Based on a Cohort of Sonographers’ Occupational Burnout Experience and Mitigating Associated Factors to Improve Worker Well-Being

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore and understand sonographers’ occupational burnout experience and develop a curriculum for an intervention program, to mitigate this type of distress. Materials and Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-method design was employed to better understand sonographers’ experience of occupational burnout and develop a curriculum for an intervention program that targets specific needs of sonographers. The quantitative data were collected via an online survey, which included demographic questions, ranking factors that contribute to burnout on a 5-point Likert scale, and prevalence and feelings around conflict at work. Simultaneously, qualitative data were gathered through semistructured interviews conducted remotely with eight sonographers. Results: A total of 104 sonographers responded to the survey and eight sonographers participated in the online interview. Most of the participants were females (83.5%), working full-time (88.5%). Among this cohort, 60.6% self-reported experiencing burnout. In both qualitative and quantitative data, the experience of conflict at work was reported as stress or anxiety provoking. Stress management and conflict resolution were the most rated topics that participants wanted to be included in the intervention program. A total of 46.1% respondents from the survey reported being interested in participating in such a program. Conclusion: This study explored sonographers’ occupational burnout experience to develop a curriculum for an intervention program, tailored to their needs. The study findings indicated that this cohort of sonographers were aware of burnout and open to participating in an intervention program. Based on the results of this study, a group therapy curriculum was developed to help sonographers deal with conflict at work, managing stress, and mitigating occupational burnout.