Abstract
Burnout is a prevalent problem in healthcare. Burnout is a syndrome comprised of three
components: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal
accomplishment. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore
what it means to prevent job burnout as a physical therapist while working within a
Midwest health system. The aim of this study was to create a framework that may be
utilized by faculty to help prepare physical therapy students and leaders to navigate their
professional roles in healthcare with an awareness of approaches to prevent burnout. A
sample of nine physical therapists completed semi-structured interviews virtually. The
data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Six themes emerged from the data:
maintaining perspective, fostering relationships, taking control, practicing self-care,
taking advantage of organizational supports, and demonstrating self-awareness. These
results were used to propose a dynamic three-part framework utilizing the job-person fit
model to prevent burnout in physical therapists: (1) understanding burnout, (2)
recognizing contributing factors to burnout, and (3) applying evidence-based approaches
to preventing burnout in an individualized way. The results and proposed solution from
this DIP study have the potential to prevent burnout in physical therapists, starting with
DPT students. By preventing burnout, physical therapists may achieve a greater sense of
engagement and overall well-ness, organizations may have lower costs and better
outcomes, and patients may experience better care.
Keywords: burnout, physical therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students,
leadership, transformational leadership