Burnout in Infection Control Practitioners during extended public health crisis events: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review: Conference Abstract and Poster

Infection prevention and control roles are complex and closely associated with pandemics and extended public health crises. During the COVID 19 pandemic, rapid expansion of infection control practitioners’ responsibilities intensified emotional demands, contributing to anxiety, moral distress, role strain, and increased risk of burnout. Burnout, characterised by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy, arising from sustained exposure to emotionally demanding work, is well supported by the Job Demands-Resources model, which highlights the interaction between escalating job demands and protective resources. The aim is to synthesise qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods evidence on burnout and associated factors among infection control practitioners during prolonged public health crisis events in upper middle, and high income countries. This review includes qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies examining burnout among infection control practitioners working in acute and non acute healthcare settings during public health crises. Eligible studies conducted in upper middle and high income countries, as defined by World Bank income classifications, were included. A mixed methods systematic review was conducted in accordance with Johanna Briggs Institute methodology using a convergent integrated approach. A comprehensive search of relevant databases was undertaken from November 2002 to August 2024. Methodological quality was appraised using Johanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Quantitative data were transformed into qualitised data and integrated with qualitative findings during synthesis. Eight studies were included: three qualitative studies, one mixed methods study (qualitative component), and six analytical cross sectional surveys conducted in the United States, South Korea and Thailand. All studies focused on infection control nurses / preventionists working during the pandemic. Overall methodological quality ranged from moderate to high. Integration of qualitative data and qualitised quantitative findings generated four interdependent synthesised findings: fluctuating emotions and frustration within workplaces perceived as demanding, deficient, and unsafe; proliferating job demands resulting in psychological burden, burnout, and attrition; role strain accompanied by opportunistic growth in professional role and identity; and the protective role of formal and informal supports in mitigating burnout. Collectively, the findings highlight substantial emotional and organisational challenges alongside adaptive and protective factors influencing wellbeing during extended public health crises. Infection control practitioners experience substantial emotional and organisational pressures, placing them at increased risk of burnout. Although professional and role growth were evident, sustained organisational and leadership support is essential to balance escalating job demands and reducing burnout. System level interventions, including clear role delineation, adequate staffing, and embedded wellbeing supports, are critical to sustaining this workforce during future crises.