Valid and reliable instruments used to measure burnout are important not only for the purpose of empirical research but also for individuals to understand their own burnout and well-being. Organizations can leverage these tools to identify solutions that work.

Why We Need Valid and Reliable Tools to Measure Burnout

Burnout affects nearly half of all physicians and nurses. Similar trends are seen in pharmacists, dentists, and other clinicians. Despite decades of documenting the problem, its causes, and potential solutions, many questions remain.

Over the past several decades, much progress has been made in developing tools that accurately and adequately measure burnout. However, the terminology and tools used vary substantially across studies, limiting comparisons and hampering efforts to summarize outcomes.

Measurement tools help researchers find common ground among standard definitions and allow clinicians to consider their own burnout and well-being. Accurate, effective measurement tools that are widely applicable across occupations and cultures are essential to combating clinician burnout. These tools are also instrumental in improving how organizations understand burnout and can help organizations identify solutions that work best.