Specific Aspects of Burnout Among Oncology Care Providers.

Abstract

Introduction: Burnout is a complex, process-oriented phenomenon with long-term negative consequences, which tends to recur regularly in helping professions. The identification of psychological risk factors leading to burnout, as well as the protective factors that may mitigate its development, is essential for effective prevention and targeted workforce support. This task is particularly pressing in emotionally demanding fields such as oncology, where professional work not only entails heightened emotional vulnerability but also presents specific intervention-related challenges.

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the characteristics and specific risk factors of burnout among professionals working in oncology care, and to identify protective factors that may contribute to the prevention and alleviation of burnout.

Method: Based on a review of relevant literature, the study examines the individual- and organizational-level challenges that are observable in everyday oncological practice, in relation to potential interventions and preventive strategies.

Results: Professionals involved in oncology care are exposed to increased and domain-specific emotional burdens that adversely affect their mental health, reduce performance, and negatively impact the quality of patient care. The analysis highlights the critical role of individual resilience, the monitoring of well-being, and the importance of institutional-level intervention strategies.

Discussion: Preventing burnout requires integrated, multi-level interventions that take into account both individual resources and the institutional culture. Strengthening protective factors is essential for sustaining long-term psychological well-being. Effective prevention necessitates regular monitoring of burnout and well-being, the development of individual coping capacities, and the cultivation of a supportive organizational climate.

Conclusion: Burnout among oncology professionals constitutes not only an individual but also a systemic challenge. Supporting colleagues experiencing exhaustion must be considered a fundamental workplace condition. The foundation of prevention lies in the implementation of a robust psychological support system, institutional accountability, and the targeted promotion of staff well-being. (Neuropsychopharmacol Hung 2025; 27(3): 208-220)