Persistent Burnout Among Veterans Health Administration Healthcare Workers

Recent research indicates that healthcare professionals within the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) continue to experience elevated burnout levels, surpassing pre-pandemic figures. A study published online on April 21, 2025, in JAMA Network Open, assessed burnout trends through data collected from 140 medical centers between 2018 and 2023. The findings reveal that annual burnout rates ranged from 30.4% in 2018, slightly increasing to 35.4% in 2023. Notably, burnout peaked at 39.8% in 2022, reflecting the lasting mental and emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite a decline in professional stress related to COVID-19—from 32.0% in 2020 down to 21.4% in 2023—levels of burnout remained significantly high. Primary care physicians experienced the highest burnout rates, escalating from 46.2% in 2018 to 57.6% in 2022. Mental health, dental, and rehabilitation service providers also reported major increases in burnout. Interestingly, healthcare workers who engaged in telework most of the time exhibited lower burnout levels compared to those who worked onsite regularly.

The researchers concluded that although burnout and professional stress have decreased since the peak of the pandemic, they remain above pre-pandemic levels. This persistent burnout underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to support VHA healthcare workers and improve their occupational wellbeing.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-burnout-high-veterans-health-administration.html