Occupational stress in anaesthetists: a narrative review of psychosocial risk management using a human factors systems approach

Anaesthesia is a demanding field where work stressors can significantly affect anaesthetists' well-being. These stressors, also known as psychosocial hazards, are aspects of work that can cause stress-mediated physical or psychological harm. Common psychosocial hazards include high workload, low job control, interpersonal conflict and lack of supervisor or coworker support. Failure to x manage exposure to these psychosocial hazards effectively increases the likelihood of anaesthetists experiencing work stress with consequent burnout, staff attrition, and a greater risk of clinician error and harm to patients. This narrative review introduces the principles of psychosocial risk management relevant to the anaesthesia workforce, and then considers a systems-based, human factors model, and Rasmussen's risk management framework to enhance mitigation of psychosocial risk and reduce the experience of occupational stress. Prioritising interventions that target the source of stress might foster a workplace characterised by psychological health and safety in which anaesthetists can deliver a valuable service to their patients and organisation while maintaining well-being and professional fulfilment.