Strategies for Managing Burnout: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study of Hospital Supply Chain Managers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Date of Award

Fall 2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

Committee Chair

Kris Wilson

Committee Member

Steven Marks

Committee Member

Crissie Jameson

Abstract

This study involved a qualitative phenomenological approach to investigate the lived experiences of burnout among hospital supply chain managers during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 caused the disruption of healthcare services and increased burnout symptoms among healthcare workers. Several burnout studies have been conducted since the COVID-19 pandemic due to the immense impact the pandemic has had on healthcare workers. The number of burnout studies is growing; however, the literature indicated a gap in research focusing on hospital supply chain managers related to COVID-19 burnout. The participants in this study represented a nonclinical segment that had direct involvement and response to unprecedented demands, supply disruption for PPE, and critical medical equipment and supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants’ lived experiences were documented through interviews that were transcribed, coded, and then organized into themes. The overall aim was to gain a new understanding of the emotional experiences of burnout and how burnout symptoms affect different levels of healthcare workers. Specifically, in this study, the personal experiences of this group with the three burnout symptoms of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a lack of efficacy were documented. Findings from this study provided new insights into the burnout symptoms that healthcare executives and leaders can use to contribute to a greater knowledge of long-term impacts and create strategies for burnout mitigation among healthcare workers.

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