BURN OUT SYNDROME (BOS) IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT STAFF

Abstract

Introduction: A comprehensive evaluation of Burnout Syndrome in Intensive Care Unit workforce and in all three Burnout Syndrome domains: Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalisation and lack of Personal Accomplishment. Methods: A questionnaire was used incorporating the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey for medical personnel. Burnout Syndrome domain scores were stratified by ‘risk’. Associations with gender, profession and age-group were explored. Results: In total, 996 multi-disciplinary responses were analyzed. For Emotional Exhaustion, females scored higher and nurses scored higher than doctors. For Depersonalisation, males and younger respondents scored higher. Conclusion: Approximately one-third of Intensive Care Unit team-members are at ‘high-risk’ for Burnout Syndrome, though there are important differences according to domain, gender, age-group and profession. This data may encourage a more nuanced understanding of Burnout Syndrome and more personalised strategies for our heterogeneous workforce.