ЕМОЦІЙНЕ ВИГОРАННЯ ТА КОМУНІКАТИВНА КОМПЕТЕНТНІСТЬ МЕДИЧНИХ ПРАЦІВНИКІВ: ПОТЕНЦІЙНІ РИЗИКИ ДЛЯ БЕЗПЕКИ ПАЦІЄНТІВ

Purpose: to assess the levels of burnout and communication competence among physicians and nurses, investigate the associations between individual components of burnout and communication competence, and evaluate their potential relevance to patient safety. Materials and Methods. A single-center cross-sectional survey was conducted among 97 healthcare professionals (80 nurses and 17 physicians). Burnout was assessed using an adapted questionnaire based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory, while communication competence was self-assessed using 16 items developed on the basis of the Gap-Kalamazoo Communication Skills Assessment Form and the Kalamazoo Essential Elements Communication Checklist. Non-parametric statistical methods, Spearman’s rank correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression were applied. Results. The overall communication competence score did not differ between physicians and nurses (p = 0,970). The lowest self-ratings were reported for communicating with angry or distressed patients, delivering bad news, and emotional self-regulation. Physicians demonstrated higher emotional exhaustion scores than nurses (p = 0,040), although this finding should be interpreted with caution due to the unequal sizes of the professional groups. Higher personal accomplishment scores correlated with higher communication competence (ρ = 0,234; p = 0,021); however, the association did not remain statistically significant after multivariable adjustment (p = 0,068). Overtime work/secondary employment was independently associated with higher self-rated communication competence (p = 0,008). Conclusions. Physicians demonstrated higher emotional exhaustion than nurses, while the two professional groups had comparable levels of self-rated communication competence. Higher personal accomplishment was associated with better self-rated communication competence, although this association did not reach statistical significance after multivariable adjustment. The most vulnerable communication skills involved interactions with emotionally distressed patients, delivering bad news, and emotional self-regulation. These findings support combining strategies aimed at preventing emotional exhaustion with practical training in communication skills for challenging clinical situations as important components of patient safety.