Burnout in physicians who are exposed to workplace violence

Aim: Workplace violence in the health sector is one of the common problems of both developed and developing countries. The aim of this study is to investigate the causes of violence against doctors in the health sector and to evaluate the effect of violence on burnout. Material and method: The questionnaire forms were delivered to doctors working in Ordu via internet between 01.03.2018 and 31.03.2018. Preliminary questionnaire form consisting of 20 questions and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were used in the study. Results: It was observed that the scores of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were statistically significantly higher in physicians who were subjected to verbal and physical violence (p < 0.05). On the other hand, increase in emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores and decrease in personal achievement scores were found to be statistically significant in those exposed to psychological violence (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It was found that doctors who were exposed to violence at work were exposed to verbal and psychological violence more than physical violence and especially psychological violence had a significant negative effect on burnout.