Helping the Helpers: A Photovoice Study Examining Burnout and Self-Care among HIV Providers and Managers

ABSTRACT

Photovoice was used among 4 HIV providers and 4 managers at a NYC community-based HIV organization to engage in critical dialogs about the way they experience burnout and self-care measures taken. The study’s objective was to empower participants to change aspects of their organizational culture and advocate for better working conditions to mitigate burnout. Common themes around causes of burnout were: perfectionism, isolation, multitasking, conflict in relationships. Common themes around self-care practices were: physical activity, recreational activities, being in nature, spirituality, self-expression, food/drinks, social support. The study offers strategies to social service agencies to inspire providers to create organizational change.

KEYWORDS:

• Community-based participatory research
• Photovoice
• HIV providers and managers
• burnout and self-care measures

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge HIV providers and managers who devote their careers to the health and well-being of clients despite the sources of burnout they face. The authors thank the HIV providers and managers at the partnering agency for their time and participation in the study. We are greatly appreciative of the cooperation of the partnering agency in opening their doors to allow us to facilitate this study.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest is reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Binghamton University.