Burnout among Healthcare Professionals Working in Intensive Care Units: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Burnout syndrome is a complex condition characterized by three key dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization (DP), and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment (PA), all of which are directly linked to work-related stress, especially in intensive care unit (ICU) healthcare workers. There is a noticeable scarcity of research in India, particularly in Gujarat, focused on identifying and understanding burnout. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining that. Aim: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of burnout syndrome among doctors and nursing staff at a tertiary healthcare center. In addition, we aimed to identify the key factors contributing to burnout within this specialized healthcare setting. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 98 healthcare workers working in ICUs which consisted of their demographic information and incorporating the 22 item self rated Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Service Survey. Results: In this analysis of 98 healthcare workers, doctors reported significantly higher levels of lack of PA compared to nurses ( P = 0.01). Participants aged ≤30 years reported high DP (60%). All the three dimensions of burnout were not dependent on the years or work experience. Longer working hours were significantly associated with higher burnout levels across all dimensions. Conclusion: High-demanding situations, such as those in ICUs, are likely to lead to burnout. Establishing dedicated committees and implementing regular mental health screening processes can help in the early identification and management of burnout. Critical care societies should implement effective mental health policies and benchmarks to monitor and reduce burnout.