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Państwo i Społeczeństwo / State and Society

Occupational Burnout among Physiotherapists

Joanna Agata Franczyk Logo ORCID , Jan Kępiński Logo ORCID , Maciej Korab Logo ORCID

Abstract

Burnout represents a major challenge in contemporary healthcare, with physical therapists being particularly vulnerable due to the specific demands of their profession. This narrative review examines occupational burnout among physical therapists by integrating key theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence, and profession-specific work demands. The article discusses core definitions and models of burnout, with emphasis on the Maslach and Leiter framework and the Job Demands-Resources model. It outlines the multidimensional demands of physical therapy practice – physical, emotional, cognitive, organizational, and social – and their role in the development of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced professional efficacy. Empirical evidence indicates high levels of burnout and a growing intention to leave the profession among physical therapists, posing risks to workforce stability and quality of care. The review also addresses major risk factors and protective resources, including individual and organizational determinants, as well as commonly used diagnostic instruments for burnout assessment. Overall, the findings highlight the need for a comprehensive, multilevel approach to burnout prevention and intervention, encompassing individual, team-based, organizational, and systemic strategies.

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Citation rules

Franczyk, Joanna Agata, et al. “Occupational Burnout Among Physiotherapists”. Państwo I Społeczeństwo State and Society, vol. 25, no. Special Issue, Dec. 2025, pp. 173-90, doi:10.48269/2451-0858-pis-2025-sp-010.

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Vol. 25 No. Special Issue (2025)
Published: 2025-12-23


eISSN: 2451-0858
Ikona DOI 10.31749/2451-0858-SaS

Publisher
AFM Publishing House of the Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University

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