Behavioural responses of Intensivists to stressors in Intensive Care

The hospital intensive care unit (ICU) environment encompasses sick patients who present for care in health crisis. Healthcare in this setting is complex, often involving the co-ordination of multiple professional teams, all under significant time pressures. The sequelae for staff interacting in this dynamic and often volatile setting are variable, depending upon their coping skillset and their familiarity with the stressors.

The primary aim of this study was to describe and in doing so, normalize the behavioural responses expressed by ICU doctors (Intensivists) in response to stressful workplace events. The secondary aim was to identify those responses that contributed to resilience.

A prospective qualitative study of senior Intensivists using a semi-scripted iterative interview. Data were transcribed and thematically analysed with verbatim quotations selected to support coding choices.

Nineteen experienced Intensivists from three sites in Australia and Israel participated. Clinicians described conscious, physiological and professional responses to stressors, including sense-making and taking time to process information with appropriate support. Two of the most important mitigation processes revealed were the use of reflective learning and preventative practice changes to prevent future errors. These were overlaid with the importance of disclosure and transparency in clinical work.

Repeated exposure to stressful events potentiates burnout, wherein staff no longer experience satisfaction and enjoyment in what they do. This paper presents the behavioural responses that experienced Intensivists described in relation to stressful events in the ICU, including steps taken to mitigate the effects of these events on their personal well-being.