Aged care workforce at risk of burnout: survey

A new Palliative Care Australia survey indicates that a substantial percentage of the aged care workforce is struggling with increased demands.

The Survey of the National Palliative Care Workforce Across Health and Age Care Settings received 1400 responses after it was conducted between May and August this year. Its first report, titled ‘Wellbeing in palliative care workforces’, is a snapshot of how growing demand for palliative care is being experienced by the health professionals and volunteers who support people in their final months, weeks and days of life.

Key workforce wellbeing findings include:

• 44% of specialist palliative care workers and 41% of aged care workers reported experiencing signs of burnout ‘quite often’ or ‘very often’
• Only 47% of respondents are satisfied with their mental health
• Only 46% of respondents are satisfied with their physical health
• 85% of respondents are interested in receiving further palliative care training
   

Camilla Rowland, CEO of Palliative Care Australia, said apart from managing increasing demand and resourcing challenges, navigating end of life on a daily basis is a unique situation.

“There is a natural emotional load that comes with this work. The intensity of the relationships built with patients and their families can be incredibly rewarding and are important; therefore, the need for ongoing formal and informal support for staff who work in this space is critical,” Rowland said.

“I want to thank and acknowledge the professionals and volunteers who deliver palliative care — you are special people, your skills are valued, and we need to care for you so you can continue to deliver care for others.”

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