Well-being in the Intensive Care Unit: Looking Beyond COVID-19

Burnout among critical care personnel has increased due to the additional psychological and physical demands of caring for critically ill patients with limited resources. Factors that increase the risk of burnout include compassion fatigue, lack of control over the work environment, difficult interpersonal relationships, and constant exposure to end-of-life issues. Organizational commitment to physician wellbeing depends on improving workplace efficiency, recognizing stressors in the critical care environment, and providing resources to help manage staffing shortages. Community building, training in communication, and team-building strategies are important steps in building collaboration and camaraderie in the workplace.