Burnout Among Anesthetists and Intensive Care Physicians

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Occupational health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Burnout, a syndrome of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and low personal accomplishment, is not well understood in physicians.
• This study investigates burnout prevalence and associated factors in anesthetists and intensive care physicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of burnout among anesthetists and intensive care physicians.
• To identify personal and professional characteristics associated with burnout in this population.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 220 anesthetists and intensive care physicians contacted via email.
• Burnout assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory.
• Depression screened using the PHQ-2 questionnaire; problem drinking assessed with CAGE items.

Main Results:

• High levels of emotional exhaustion (34%), depersonalization (25%), and low personal accomplishment (38%) were reported.
• Burnout correlated with problem drinking, depression, cardiovascular disorders, and digestive disorders.
• Sedative abuse, alcohol abuse, overeating, and stress transference to relatives were associated with burnout; reading non-medical literature showed a protective effect.

Conclusions:

• Burnout is highly prevalent in anesthetists and intensive care physicians, with two-fifths meeting diagnostic criteria.
• Strong correlations exist between burnout and problem drinking, depression, cardiovascular/digestive disorders, sedative use, and overeating.