Radiation therapists comprise one of the largest occupational groups in the field of oncology and are responsible for the daily administration of radiation to cancer patients. Burnout rates among radiation therapists have increased over time. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) is a tool utilized to measure burnout among different professions. The MBI consists of three measurable components including emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and decreased personal accomplishment. When used to analyze the incidence of burnout in radiation therapists, it was found that radiation therapists report high levels of burnout across all three components. Burnout in radiation oncology is attributed to emotional, occupational, and technological factors. Though coping strategies are often used by radiation therapists to address burnout, many report receiving insufficient education on treating palliative patients. The COVID-19 pandemic has additionally increased burnout rates among radiation therapists as they fear for the health of their immunosuppressed patients. Radiation therapy programs and workplaces alike can utilize data collected to reduce burnout levels across the profession. The implementation of initiatives on coping strategies, palliative education, and decreasing occupational stressors would reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction among radiation therapists.

Nicole would like to thank their faculty sponsor Sherry Bicklein for their support of this project.