Jess Jieyin Chen

Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore

Title: Understanding burnout amongst occupational therapists: A qualitative meta-synthesis review

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Biography

Jess Chen Jieyin is a registered Occupational Therapist in Singapore, currently practising at Sengkang General Hospital. She holds a Master of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King’s College London and has a clinical focus in mental health. Her practice is grounded in compassionate, client-centred care, with a strong interest in promoting psychological well-being and meaningful participation in everyday life. Alongside her clinical work, Jess is passionate about workforce well-being and the sustainability of healthcare systems. Her research explores the intersection of organizational factors and frontline clinician experiences, with a particular focus on resilience, burnout prevention, and the development of healthier work environments for allied health professionals.

Abstract

Background: Burnout is a significant workforce and well-being challenge amongst occupational therapists (OTs). Although qualitative studies have explored the lived experience of burnout within the profession, a synthesis of evidence regarding its contributors, impact, prevention and management remains limited.

Aim: To synthesise qualitative evidence on occupational therapists’ experiences of burnout and identify perceived factors influencing its prevention and management. 

Methods: A systematic review of qualitative and mixed-methods studies published between 2000 and 2025 was conducted across four electronic databases. Records were screened using the SPIDER framework and predefined eligibility criteria.  Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. Findings were synthesised using thematic narrative synthesis.

Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Burnout was described as a multidimensional experience affecting occupational therapists physically, emotionally, psychologically, and professionally. Findings suggested that burnout emerged through the interaction of individual characteristics, including perfectionism and emotional investment in care, and systemic workplace pressures. High productivity expectations and administrative demands frequently compelled therapists to prioritise rapid discharge-focused care, contributing to ethical distress when service requirements conflicted with occupation-centred practice values. Participants also reported threats to professional identity when the occupational therapy role was poorly understood or undervalued by multidisciplinary teams and organisational leadership. Effective prevention and management were perceived to require both individual and organisational approaches. Key protective factors included boundary-setting, supportive leadership, structured peer support, formal mentorship, manageable workloads, and reduced productivity pressures. Included studies were generally of good methodological quality, although transferability was limited by the inherent constraints of qualitative research. 

Conclusion: Burnout among OTs appears to be shaped by interconnected individual and organisational factors rather than individual coping capacity alone. These findings may inform workforce well-being initiatives, leadership practices, and occupational therapy education, and future research aimed at supporting a sustainable OT workforce.