Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Type

Open Access Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Background: The United States is positioned for an upcoming healthcare crisis with an estimated deficit of 100,000 healthcare professionals by 2028 (Mercer, 2024). Burnout is well documented among the healthcare community and is a major contributing factor to an ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals, including occupational and physical therapists. Most prior research has focused on burnout from a personal level, but addressing burnout from an organizational level may be more effective in reducing this phenomenon among occupational and physical therapy providers.

Purpose: Despite the high levels of burnout reported, a substantial gap exists in research dedicated towards the prevention and treatment of burnout and what organizations can do to mitigate this phenomenon. This study aimed to identify the relationship between perceived organizational support and feelings of burnout among occupational and physical therapists working in acute care. Additionally, this research sought to identify differences in perceptions of burnout and perceived organizational support between acute care occupational and physical therapists.

Methods: A quantitative correlational research design was used to determine if a correlation exists between perceived feelings of organizational support and feelings of burnout among occupational and physical therapists working full-time in the acute care setting. The following measures were used for data collection: the Survey of Perceived Organizational Support (SPOS), the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), and demographic questions used for exclusion criteria.

Results: A total of 14 participants (8 OTs and 6 PTs) met inclusion criteria. The results of the study indicated a strong and statistically significant correlation between perceived levels of organizational support and feelings of burnout. Overall, both occupational and physical therapists reported a high level of burnout with a correlating factor of perceived low levels of organizational support.

Conclusion: There is a need for continued exploration of burnout among occupational and physical therapists, and how perceived support from the organization of employment may act as a critical buffer against burnout for these professionals. Organizations can seek to improve organizational support in the form of leadership training, effective communication, ethical support, meaningful rewards, positive job settings, positive work relationships and environmental justice.

Faculty Mentor

Renee Causey-Upton, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, CLA, FAOTA

Department Affiliation

Occupational Therapy

Committee Member

Casey Humphrey, OTD, MHA, OTR/L, CBIS

Department Affiliation

Occupational Therapy

Department Affiliation

Occupational Therapy

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

6769

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