An exploration of staff wellbeing and burnout within a UK-based NHS mental health inpatient unit: a service evaluation

Background/Aims Staff wellbeing within inpatient psychiatric wards is paramount for staff retention and quality of care. However, staff burnout is reported to be common in the NHS, resulting in multiple negative repercussions. The aim of this study was to examine current practice and measure staff burnout in an inpatient psychiatric ward and the factors that contributed to staff wellbeing. Methods Data were collected from 10 staff members who worked on the ward through a questionnaire and from five staff members through individual interviews between June and August 2021. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis was used to analyse the interviews. Results Staff reported different experiences of burnout that affected their wellbeing. Two main themes were identified from the qualitative data: the environment and access to resources. Eight sub-themes were also identified. The environment theme had three sub-themes: staff, patients and the physical environment. The access to resources themes had five sub-themes: personal resources, the Trust wellbeing initiatives, staffing, level of control and access to practical support. Conclusions Personal burnout scores had the highest median, while work-related burnout scores had the greatest range. Factors impacting staff wellbeing and burnout included staffing, patient presentations, physical environment, work-life balance, sense of autonomy and practical factors. Implications for practice Findings from this study could facilitate employers' understanding of factors associated with burnout. Furthermore, the service recommendations discussed may be implemented locally and systemically to improve staff wellbeing.