Burnout and its determinants among anaesthesia care providers in Switzerland: a multicentre cross-sectional study

The escalating epidemic of burnout in healthcare professionals affects provider well-being, patient care and sustainability of healthcare systems. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout among anaesthesia care providers (consultants, trainees or nurse anaesthetists) in Switzerland and identify risk factors to develop strategies for prevention. This multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted at 22 anaesthesia departments in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, using an online questionnaire. Burnout assessment was performed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Additionally, the questionnaire included questions on workplace and personal risk factors. Of 1630 anaesthesia care providers contacted, 688 (42%) completed the survey. Among respondents who specified their work positions (n = 676), 52% (149/287) of nurses and 59% (229/389) of physicians were at high risk of burnout; and 9% (26/287) of nurses and 18% (70/389) of physicians met the criteria for burnout syndrome. Logistic regression analysis found significant associations between burnout and perceived lack of support at work among physicians (odds ratio (95%CI) 2.66 (1.40-5.24), p = 0.004); being a trainee in the 1st and 2nd year of training (2.91 (1.14-7.41), p = 0.024); being a trainee with > 5 years of experience (2.78 (1.08-6.98), p = 0.031); and male gender among nurses (4.13 (1.62-11.2), p = 0.004) and physicians (2.32 (1.22-4.47), p = 0.011). Work-related errors due to high workload or fatigue were reported by 65% (444/688) and consideration of leaving the profession due to working conditions was expressed by 46% (319/688) of respondents. Anaesthetic care providers in German-speaking Switzerland experience a considerable prevalence of burnout, influenced mainly by workplace factors.