Burnout syndrome among Australian intensivists: a survey

To examine practice patterns and workload of practising Australian intensivists and to investigate the risk and prevalence of "burnout syndrome".

On-line survey was emailed to 324 intensivists listed on the database of the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) and practising in Australia.

Prospectively recorded workload during a specific week in October 2007, self-reported 12-weekly averaged work pattern, and prevalence of burnout syndrome assessed by modified Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS).

115 intensivists (36%) responded; respondents were representative of mainstream tertiary intensive care practitioners. On average in a 12-week period, intensivists spent 42% of working days in bedside patient management, 16% in administration, 11% in locum positions, 9% in research and 9% in recreational leave. During 1 week of prospective recording of actual workload, 26% of intensivists managed more than nine ventilated patients, and most admitted more than two new patients per day. Most were involved in more than two family conferences with a median duration of 1 h. The MBI-GS showed that 80% of respondents had signs of psychological stress and discomfort, 42% showed signs of emotional exhaustion, 32% had negative feelings and cynicism, and 37% considered they underachieved in terms of personal accomplishments.

Intensivists are at high risk of burnout syndrome. Recognising the drivers and early signs of burnout and identifying a preventive strategy is a professional priority for ANZICS and the intensive care community.