The effect of the coping and the social support groups on the burnout level of nurses

This randomized controlled intervention study was conducted to reduce burnout levels of nurses through coping and support groups and to investigate nurses? perspectives on the burnout program qualitatively.The sampling consisted of 108 nurses working in a university hospital. Nurses have been randomly assigned to the social support, coping and control groups. The intervention lasted seven weeks. Six of the nurses had not attended any sessions, six attended four or less of the seven and six attended all sessions constituted the sampling of the qualitative study. The research variables were based on the Neuman Systems Model?s concepts.In data collection, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Multiple Perceived Social Support Scale and Ways of Coping Inventory were used. In evaluation of the data chi-square, two way ANOVA with repeated measures, one-way ANOVA, Tukey?s post-hoc test and paired t test with bonferroni correction, intention to treat analysis was used. Measures were made pre-intervention, post-intervention, third month and sixth month. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.Emotional exhaustion scores reduced in the post-intervention period and in the third month whereas they increased in the sixth month. Coping group?s emotional burnout scores were lower than that of the control group. No meaningful difference was observed between the control and the social support groups. Support received from a special person increased after the intervention, self-confident approach reduced in the third month, optimistic and social support seeking approaches increased after the intervention. Coping training group?s optimistic approach scores were higher than the social support group?s. Three themes were identified in qualitative findings: causes of burnout, work-related and individual factors influencing the attendance.In conclusion, it was recommended that coping training be given and repeated regularly, that the program be organized in blocks and be executed together with the organization-directed interventions and that the nurses be supported by the administration.Key words: Burnout, Neuman Systems Model, coping with stress, social support, nursing