Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Burnout Among Anesthesia Providers

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Healthcare Professional Well-being
• Psychology

Background:

• Previous research indicates a negative correlation between emotional intelligence (EI) and burnout in clinical healthcare workers.
• Limited research exists on the relationship between EI and burnout specifically within the anesthesia provider population.
• Anesthesia providers face significant occupational stress, making burnout a critical concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if higher emotional intelligence (EI) is associated with a lower likelihood of burnout among anesthesia providers.
• To investigate the influence of demographic factors on the incidence of burnout in this professional group.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 21 certified registered nurse anesthetists, 23 physician anesthesiologists, and 6 anesthesiologist assistants.
• Participants completed the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Score (16-item) and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (16-item).
• T-test analysis was employed to assess the relationship between EI and burnout, and the impact of demographics.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between higher emotional intelligence (EI) and the incidence of burnout (P = .022).
• No statistically significant relationships were identified between demographic variables and burnout rates among the studied anesthesia providers.
• The findings support the hypothesis that EI plays a role in mitigating burnout.

Conclusions:

• Higher emotional intelligence is associated with a lower incidence of burnout in anesthesia providers.
• Demographic factors did not significantly predict burnout rates in this cohort.
• Interventions aimed at enhancing emotional intelligence may be valuable strategies for reducing burnout in anesthesia professionals.