Burnout and Joy in the Profession of Critical Care Medicine

Abstract

This article is one of ten reviews selected

Burnout and psychological distress amongst Australian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The relationship between burnout and mental illness remains unclear; 4 however, recent research suggests burnout increases the risk of developing depression and PTSD. 6 In our study, 29.5% of participants screened positively for burnout, and symptoms of burnout were predictive of psychological distress.…”

“…During emergencies such as pandemics, increased posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression in HCW 5 may relate to both individual and system factors. 6 …”

Benchmarking Critical Care Well-Being: Before and After the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

“…Given the known relationship between organizational leadership and clinician burnout ( 25 ) and our findings that well-being differed across ICUs and hospitals, attention is also required in regards to the selection and training of unit- and hospital-based leadership who interface with critical care professionals. Additional organizational strategies to combat burnout include: team building, communication training, and structured communication during interprofessional rounds to enhance working relationships and reduce conflict; control and flexibility in scheduling; engagement in nonclinical professional activities (e.g., quality improvement, research) ( 4 , 26 ); and creating a culture where clinicians are encouraged to take time off in the spirit of work-life integration ( 3 ).…”

“…Burnout, defined as a psychological syndrome related to job stressors, has reached epidemic levels among healthcare professionals ( 1 ). Burnout syndrome, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced sense of effectiveness and personal accomplishment, is common among critical care nurses and physicians ( 2 , 3 ). Specifically, 33% of intensive care nurses ( 4 ) and 46% of ICU physicians experience severe burnout syndrome ( 5 ).…”

Supporting a Precious Resource: Healthcare Clinicians

“…These symptoms may be an indicator of mood instability as described by Azoulay et al but they could also be coping mechanisms; ICU clinicians my be attempting to find joy at work and reframe their part in the pandemic to give them purpose. 13 Based on these findings and our prior work, support for clinicians must take a threepronged approach at the national, organizational and individual level. 14 In summary, this study highlights the vulnerability of clinicians during an unprecedented time.…”