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Original Publication Date
2026
Document Type
Video
Abstract
Medical laboratory professionals form the "hidden" backbone of healthcare, conducting over 14 billion tests annually and influencing approximately 70% of medical decisions. Despite their critical role, this population is understudied and faces a burgeoning staffing crisis. This presentation explores the prevalence of burnout and workplace stress among laboratory staff, issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and a projected shortage of more than 24,000 positions annually.
Utilizing the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, the research investigates how additional workplace responsibilities drive stress and how specific supportive resources can mediate these demands to prevent burnout. The presenter proposes a three-aim dissertation approach:
- Scoping Literature Review: Identifying existing gaps in the study of laboratory-specific burnout.
- Focus Groups: Exploring perceived attitudes toward workplace responsibilities and the effectiveness of currently offered resources.
- National Survey: Utilizing the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the General Workplace Stress Scale to correlate resource utilization with employee well-being and retention.
Preliminary data indicate staggering stress levels, with a 2020 study finding 85% of laboratory professionals reported feeling burned out, primarily due to overwhelming workloads. The research concludes that identifying and implementing effective, rather than superficial (e.g., "pizza parties"), supportive resources is imperative. Optimizing employee well-being is not only essential for workforce retention but is a direct determinant of the quality of patient care and diagnostic accuracy within the global health system.
Keywords
Workplace burnout, Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, Workplace stress, Medical laboratory professionals
Rights
Copyright © 2026 Reinetta Scaringello. All rights reserved.
Comments
Presented in the Strategies for Wellbeing, Retention, and Empowerment session.