The Relationship between Burnout and Wellbeing Using Social Support, Organizational Justice, and Lifelong Learning in Healthcare Specialists from Romania

Self-directed learning in health professions: A mixed-methods systematic review of the literature

PURPOSE

This study investigated the application and effectiveness of various self-directed learning (SDL) models in healthcare organizations. This study aims to identify the prevalent SDL models and factors influencing SDL adoption in healthcare settings.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted, encompassing a comprehensive search across multiple academic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC, and the Cochrane Library). The final search was conducted on April 16, 2024. The inclusion criteria were studies involving health and allied health professionals in clinical settings that explored SDL in any context or form of activity, emphasizing the description and/or use of an SDL model or SDL-related concept. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included. We also explored the factors facilitating or hindering SDL and specific SDL-related outcomes, accommodating various study designs.

RESULTS

The final review synthesized findings from 34 articles involving over 5,700 healthcare professionals (including nurses, pharmacists, and physicians). The findings reveal that supportive organizational cultures significantly enhance SDL practices, whereas restrictive policies hinder their effectiveness. Various SDL models were identified and examined, showing that integrative frameworks combining individual motivation with structured organizational support yielded the best outcomes in fostering lifelong learning and adaptability among healthcare professionals. These findings emphasize the significance of individual motivation, learning environment, technological resources, social interactions, and SDL readiness among healthcare professionals.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that SDL is crucial for the continuous professional development of healthcare providers and should be strategically supported by healthcare organizations. This study contributes to a better understanding of the interplay between SDL, workplace dynamics, and digital technology in healthcare practices. Identifying prevalent SDL models and factors influencing their adoption offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals on effective implementation strategies that address both its barriers and facilitators.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

reviewregistry1309, February 28, 2022 (www.researchregistry.com).

How to evaluate lifelong learning skills of healthcare professionals: a systematic review on content and quality of instruments for measuring lifelong learning

BACKGROUND

Having lifelong learning skills is a necessity for healthcare professionals. To evaluate these skills, sound instruments are needed. Those working in healthcare of medical educating looking for a suitable instrument to evaluate lifelong learning (LLL) skills in healthcare professionals are faced with a multitude of definitions and operationalizations of the concept of LLL. A systematic review was performed to analyze the methodological quality and content of instruments measuring LLL for professionals.

METHODS

A systematic search of literature published until October 2023 in the electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, Sociological Abstracts, EMBASE, and Web of Science was conducted. English articles describing the development, validation or use of an instrument measuring lifelong learning for professionals working in a professional context were included. A data extraction form was developed to evaluate the content and methodological quality of the instruments. The STORIES statement was used to support reporting this review.

RESULTS

The search revealed 85 articles on 18 questionnaires, no qualitative instruments were found. The instruments covered a range of settings, for example the Jefferson Scale of Physician LLL (JSPLL) covered healthcare and the Effective LLL Inventory (ELLI) covered education. Most instruments provided evidence on content validity and internal consistency, other aspects of validity were examined less frequently. Furthermore, the way that LLL was defined varied greatly, also great variety in the constructs that were defined in the instruments was found. Most instruments lacked a clear description of how the dimensions and items were formalized.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for LLL instruments that provide more evidence on their validity and put greater emphasis on the development of the definition and operationalization of LLL. Furthermore, there is a need for a better understanding of how to interpret and use the results of the instruments. It is recommended to take a critical look at these constructs before selecting an instrument. This will help all those involved in the training and working environment of healthcare professionals in evaluating lifelong learning skills in their context.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019134804.

Predictive modeling of burnout based on organizational culture perceptions among health systems employees: a comparative study using correlation, decision tree, and Bayesian analyses

Burnout is a significant concern, particularly within the healthcare field, affecting both nurses and physicians. It is a common issue in health systems, which encompass a range of healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, physician practices, ambulatory sites, and administrative offices like finance. Despite this, there has not been an extensive exploration of burnout in employees working directly with patients versus those in non-patient-facing roles within these health systems. It is important to note that organizational culture plays a crucial role in influencing various aspects of employees' work-life balance and their experiences of burnout. This study adopts a cross-sectional design, involving the distribution of a 57-question Likert scale survey to employees in health systems. These employees serve in various roles, both patient-facing and non-patient-facing, within jointly owned healthcare organizations, which encompass hospitals, ambulatory sites, and administrative offices. The survey was disseminated through trade organizations and employees at the managerial level and above within these health systems. Data was collected between October 2022 and January 2023, resulting in a total of 67 responses. The study employs correlation analysis to explore the connection between organizational culture and burnout. Furthermore, a decision tree model is constructed to predict burnout scores based on survey responses, specifically the question regarding the perceived positivity of the organizational culture. The decision tree models indicate that perceiving organizational culture as positive, safety-oriented, and supportive predicts various outcomes for individuals, including job retention, positive experiences with patients, increased callousness, and stimulation while working with colleagues. Bayesian analysis, considering the small sample size, reinforces these findings and provides a different perspective, incorporating prior knowledge and credible intervals. An association test suggests a strong link between a positive organizational culture and burnout symptoms, while another test supports a connection with engagement signs. Similar to nurses and physicians, administrative health systems' personnel are susceptible to burnout. Organizational culture can affect burnout. Therefore, health systems' leaders should cultivate an organizational culture that protects against burnout.