Burnout y factores estresantes en profesionales sanitarios de las unidades de cuidados intensivos

Abstract

The need arises to study burnout and stress factors in intensive care units (ICU) health workers, because of the characteristics of their work environment. To achieve this aim, 117 health workers responded to the Demographic Questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and the ICU Stress Factors Questionnaire. The issues causing higher levels of stress were overload and understaffi ng. More than 30% of the sample presented elevated scores on any burnout subscale. Gender differ ences were found, with men presenting greater depersonalization. Regression analysis showed that gender and professional experience could predict burnout. This paper provides valuable information about the need for specifi c programs providing ICU healthcare professionals with strategies that allow prevention of issues that can influence their emotional state.