2023, Vol. 3, Issue 2, Part A
Occupational burnout of physiotherapists working in the school units of central Macedonia in Greece
Author(s): Χasapis Georgios, Papadopoulou Ourania, Dimaki Despina, Xalkia Anna, Treulakis Emmanouil and Alexandra Ηristara-Papadopoulou
Abstract: Background: Physiotherapy is one of the most important treatments for students with mobility disabilities in special education schools (SES). However, schools often lack specialized physiotherapy facilities and basic physiotherapy equipment, thus complicating the work of the physiotherapist. Aim: The aim of this work is to investigate the possible shortcomings in terms of the adequacy of physiotherapy facilities within special schools as well as the lack of physiotherapy equipment in relation to the levels of burnout experienced by physiotherapists working in them. It also aims to explore the factors related to their personal characteristics that contribute to this burnout. Methods: This study involved 74 physiotherapists working during the school year 2021-2022 in SES in Central Macedonia in Greece. Participants completed a questionnaire which contained data on personal characteristics, the characteristics of the school physiotherapy area, and the available physiotherapy equipment. The weighted Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) was also included. Descriptive analysis and frequency analysis of all variables were performed, while the effect of the individual personal characteristics, the suitability of the space, and the adequacy of the equipment on the individual indicators of occupational burnout were checked through the independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA. The level of statistical significance was set at p<.05. Results: The results showed that most participants were young women with few years of service and a high level of education. Participants experienced high levels of burnout, while none of the examined factors were found to affect the cause of this burnout. On the contrary, the significant deficiencies of the school units both in terms of the physiotherapy facilities and in terms of the adequacy of the physiotherapy equipment, seemed to have a statistically significant effect on the formation of the occupational burnout of the physiotherapists. Conclusion: This research brings to light data that reflect the real situation that prevails today in the SES of Central Macedonia. The results of this study show that there are serious shortcomings both in terms of physiotherapy facilities and available equipment. These deficiencies seem to create serious obstacles for physiotherapists who, although young and highly educated, experience high rates of burnout. It is important for the state to take the necessary steps to create better working conditions for physiotherapists in SES.
DOI: 10.22271/27103862.2023.v3.i2a.59
Pages: 20-28 | Views: 171 | Downloads: 70
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How to cite this article:
Χasapis Georgios, Papadopoulou Ourania, Dimaki Despina, Xalkia Anna, Treulakis Emmanouil and Alexandra Ηristara-Papadopoulou. Occupational burnout of physiotherapists working in the school units of central Macedonia in Greece. International Journal of Research in Special Education. 2023; 3(2): 20-28. DOI: 10.22271/27103862.2023.v3.i2a.59
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