Burnout Among Physicians and Nurses Working in Intensive Care Units and Emergency Departments: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to discover the prevalence and risk factors of burnout among physicians and nurses working in intensive care units and emergency departments.

METHODS

This systematic review followed the reporting guidance from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A literature search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase. The search was conducted in November 2023. English-language studies reporting burnout prevalence and risk factors among intensive care units and emergency physicians and nurses, with primary outcomes, were identified. Quantitative studies with observational designs underwent review, with 2 independent reviewers screening titles, abstracts, and full texts for inclusion. Quality assessment used Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. A meta-analysis was conducted if data were sufficient.

RESULTS

This review included 17 studies. The pooled prevalence rates for burnout, high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment were 46%, 48%, 30%, and 47%, respectively. Factors such as age, sex, smoking/tobacco use, education level, years of experience, workload, and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 were identified as significant determinants of burnout in this population.

DISCUSSION: The results assisted in determining preventive strategies and identified areas for future research.