Nurse Burnout and Patient Safety, Satisfaction, and Quality of Care

Occupational burnout syndrome is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment and is prevalent among nurses. Although previous meta-analyses have explored the correlates of nurse burnout, none have estimated their association with health care quality and safety and patient morbidity and mortality.

To evaluate the magnitude and moderators of the association between nurse burnout and patient safety, patient satisfaction, and quality of care. Data Source: The Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ProQuest databases were searched from January 1, 1994, to February 29, 2024. Study Selection: Two reviewers independently identified studies that reported a quantifiable association between nurse burnout and any of the outcomes of patient safety, patient satisfaction, or quality of health care. Data Extraction and Synthesis: The PRISMA 2020 guideline was followed. Two reviewers independently extracted the standardized mean difference (SMD) (Cohen d) estimates for a random-effects meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were conducted using prespecified variables. Main Outcomes and Measures: Any measure of patient safety, patient satisfaction, or quality of health care previously associated with nurse burnout.