[Burnout-a call for action]

Abstract

Background: Burnout is an emerging topic and has recently been the subject of a position paper of the US American Society of Critical Care Medicine.

Objectives: To give an overview over prevalence, causes, and relevance of burnout in intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians and point to potential prevention strategies MATERIALS AND METHODS: Narrative review.

Results and conclusion: Burnout is a job-related state which results from long-lasting, permanent work overload when short spells of recreation, for instance during the weekend, are not effective to reduce exhaustion, vegetative symptoms, loss of efficiency, and depersonalization. Burnout may be due to (1) work-related factors, such as unmanageable workload and lack of appreciation by superiors and (2) personal factors, such as overly high demand and commitment. Surveys from France and Switzerland suggest that approximately one third to one half of ICU clinicians are affected. Large studies among hospital nurses show an increase in burnout. Burnout impairs patient safety and satisfaction, increases clinicians' intent to quit, and staff turnover.

Conclusions: Burnout is associated with a poor work environment. Burnout prevention or reduction is an important task which demands a multidimensional approach. The goal should be to improve the work environment, achieve good team collaboration, psychological safety, and inclusive leadership.

Keywords: Depersonalization; Emotional exhaustion; Intention to quit; Interdisciplinary team collaboration; Work environment.