Introduction

Burnout Syndrome is a subject that has been studied for several decades. Despite the fact that is a well-known topic and that more and more people are suffering from it, the bibliography shows that there are no great changes in it and as a consequence, there are still great deficiencies in the prevention of this syndrome today.
In 1981, Maslach and Jackson defined Burnout as a syndrome that occurs when there is inadequate coping with chronic stress, i.e., as a consequence of continuous work stress, negative attitudes and feelings appear both in the professional role itself and towards colleagues, and this makes the person suffering from it emotionally exhausted.
Burnout syndrome is now considered a public health problem because of the number and severity of the consequences for the physical and psychological integrity of workers. According to the International Council of Nurses, professionals who suffer higher levels of work and personal stress are 30% more likely to suffer accidents in their workplace. This means that on the one hand the person suffering from work-related stress and/or burnout syndrome has a series of complications of varying degrees of severity and on the other hand the organisation has to bear the costs involved (e.g. sick leave).

Results & Findings

Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, carried out in March 2025 on the nursing staff of our Digestive Endoscopy Unit. A survey was distributed with a section for the analysis of socio-demographic data and another presenting the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaire.
Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using frequency and association tables.
All questionnaires received were analysed and no exclusion criteria were established. Total sample was 30 professionals, 18 nurses (60%) and 12 TCAES (40%).

Summary & Discussion

Proffesionals with presence and/or tendency to suffer burnout is characterised by being a professional of nursing on a temporary contract, female, aged 31-45 years and who have been working in our Endoscopy Unit from 5 to 10 years.
It is worth emphasising that there is a significant percentage of professionals who suffer from a high level of emotional exhaustion (63,3%)
Excessive workload (73,3%) and high-pressure job (52,6%), as well as poor workplace relationships (73,7%) are the main precursors highlighted by professionals for the appearance of burn out.

Conclusion

These data show that this is a latent problem and it is therefore necessary to take measures, both of an organisational nature and to intervene in the
nursing staff.

References

Maslach C, Schaufeli WB, Leiter M. 2001. Job burnout. Annual Review of Psychology. 52, 397-422.Gordon, S. 2005.
ICN (13 January 2021). Mass Trauma Experienced by the Global Nursing Workforce. [Internet] 2021 [Access 30/03/2025] Available at: https://www.icn.ch/sites/default/files/inline-files/ICN%20COVID19%20update%20report%20FINAL.pdf
Nursing against the odds: How health care cost cutting, media stereotypes, and medical hubris undermine nurses and patient care. Ithaca, NY: ILR Press (Cornell University Press).
Baiget, D, Chapela, R, López-Pérez, A, Milà, A. Síndrome de burnout entre el personal de enfermería del Servicio de Endoscopia Digestiva del HUVH. Enferm Endosc Dig. [Internet] 2016 [Access 30/03/2025];3(2): 30-37. Available at: http://aeeed.com/documentos/publicos/revista/octubre2016/Enferm%20Endosc %20Dig.%202016;3(2)30-37.pdf

Introduction

S1PR modulators, a new class of small molecules, have shown promising results in the treatment paradigm of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC). The two approved drugs, etrasimod and ozanimod, have been associated with an increased risk of macular oedema. In approved labelling for S1PR modulators, an ophthalmic evaluation is recommended prior to commencing treatment in all patients. We established a NLC to facilitate prompt ophthalmology screening at a tertiary IBD centre.

Results & Findings

In our IBD clinics, we identified 9 potential eligible patients for treatment with S1PR modulators between July 2024 – March 2025. However, 3 of these patients were eliminated from data (2 declined to initiate therapy, 1 developed acute severe UC). The remaining 6 patients were promptly referred to the Ophthalmology clinic and completed comprehensive assessment. The examination included optical coherence tomography (OCT) followed by review by Consultant Ophthalmologist as a one-stop clinic. The results were reviewed by the specialist IBD nurses who discussed the findings with the patients and arranged further follow-up if required. The treating clinician was informed of the results and patients’ GP notified. This process facilitated the establishment of a structured protocol, leading to a measurable reduction in the time required to undergo the necessary ophthalmological examinations, which would otherwise fall under the domain of primary care.

Summary & Discussion

This initiative demonstrates that a NLC can streamline the pre-treatment process for patients initiating S1PR modulators by integrating ophthalmology screening into the care pathway. The structured protocol not only ensured timely access to OCT and specialist review but also optimised communication across multidisciplinary teams. By shifting initial assessments from consultant-led services to a nurse-led model, we improved efficiency and patient experience. This model may be replicated in other centres aiming to adopt advanced therapies requiring specialist monitoring.

Conclusion

As prescribing of advance therapies including small molecules is expected to increase, demand for treatment counselling and monitoring will follow. This direct access pathway is an effective use of resources to provide a timely and valuable service, as well as reducing consultant time.

References

1. Sandborn WJ, Vermeire S, Peyrin-Biroulet L, et al. Etrasimod as induction and maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis (ELEVATE): two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 studies. Lancet. 2023, 401(10383):1159-71. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00061-2