Study on acupuncture and acupressure for burnout

Healthcare professionals are exposed to occupational stressors that can lead to burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Strategies to mitigate the negative psychological impact on frontline workers are urgently needed.

The aim of this study led by Julia Afrasiabi was to evaluate the effects of auricular acupuncture or acupressure compared to ear massage on anxiety, burnout and caring capacity in healthcare workers. The results were categorized according to participants' level of belief in traditional Chinese medicine.

This prospective randomized trial with an open-label, parallel-group design was conducted at a 334-bed Level II pediatric trauma center. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) auricular acupuncture, (2) acupressure with auricular seeds, or (3) auricular massage. The interventions were carried out over 3 weeks. Self-reported scores of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) and Caring Ability Inventory (CAI) were analyzed using a pre/posttest design. Univariate analysis, Fisher's Exact Test and ANOVA were performed to assess group differences.

A total of 117 out of 325 eligible participants agreed to participate in the study. Treatment with auricular seed acupressure was associated with a reduction in burnout and secondary traumatic stress . This effect remained significant after adjustment for individual pretest scores. The interventions studied had no significant effect on STAI, ProQOL or CAI scores.

Auricular acupressure is a safe, effective, and practical strategy for reducing burnout and secondary traumatic stress and can support health professionals' ability to build caring relationships with patients and families.