Predicting post-traumatic stress disorder: The complex relationship between burnout, intentions to leave and emotional support among health care professionals

Background: Health care professionals working in delivery rooms often encounter stressful situations. Understanding their challenges and the support they receive is essential for improving their well-being and consequently patient care. Purpose: Examining the relationship between burnout, intentions to leave, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and complex PTSD among health care professionals, and identifying their predictors. Methods: A mixed methods design, including a survey among 196 midwives and gynecologists assessing burnout, intentions to leave, exposure to negative work experiences and PTSD, as well as 15 semi-structured interviews. Discussion: Most participants experienced multiple difficult events in the delivery room, reporting insufficient emotional support. Burnout and lack of emotional support were significant predictors of PTSD symptoms. Participants expressed a need for emotional support to cope with complex situations. Conclusion: Burnout among midwives must be addressed through prevention and intervention programs. Emotional support is essential in mitigating PTSD symptoms among midwives and gynecologists, enhancing their resilience and well-being.