Psychometric evaluation of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory: Rasch analysis of burnout among optometrists

Optom Vis Sci. 2026 Apr;103(4):e70048. doi: 10.1002/ovs2.70048.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to validate the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) using Rasch analysis and to generate Rasch-calibrated scores for use in future research. Despite its widespread use, the CBI has undergone limited psychometric evaluation, predominantly using classical test theory.

METHODS: CBI data were collected online in a cross-sectional study involving 1303 UK-based, patient-facing optometrists. Rasch analysis was used to assess the psychometric properties of the CBI, including item fit, response category functioning, personal reliability, and unidimensionality. Model refinement opportunities were explored, and differential item functioning (DIF) was evaluated across gender and age.

RESULTS: The three subscales of the CBI: personal, work-related, and patient-related burnout demonstrated strong psychometric properties, with good discrimination, appropriate response category functioning, and unidimensionality, respectively. Limitations included a small number of items across all subscales displaying minor misfit, though these had minimal impact on the overall model fit and a floor effect (22%) was observed across the patient-related scale. No significant DIF was found for gender or age, supporting the cross-group validity and measurement invariance of the instrument.

CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the CBI is a psychometrically valid instrument for measuring burnout, although additional validation in other populations would be beneficial. Rasch-derived interval-level scores improve the precision and comparability of measurement, providing advantages over traditional ordinal methods. The CBI is a valuable tool for detecting burnout, guiding targeted interventions, and informing strategies to address burnout among healthcare professionals.

PMID:42045135 | DOI:10.1002/ovs2.70048