The effect of pandemic on health and Burnout Syndrome in ICU nursing professionals

Abstract

Introduction: ICU nurses have a significant risk of BS due to the stressful conditions of their work. The pandemic has worsened these conditions, so these professionals will probably show Burnout Syndr ome scores and affectation of their health. Objective: Determine the impact on the different health domains and on the performance of their work in nurses who have worked in the ICU in the midst of the COVID19pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. Sixty-eight nursing professionals who had worked in the ICU during the pandemic participated. Each participant completed a booklet with the following scales: Burnout Scale, SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire and Somatic Symptom Scale-Revised (ESS-R). Results: It has been found that ICU nurses have BS and obtained high scores in each of its dimensions, as well as psychosomatic symptoms, especially in the Musculoskeletal (ME) and Female Reproductive (RF) subscales. On the other hand, the health levels in the different subscales of the SF-36 were not low, but intermediate. Being a woman, having tested positive for covid19, having a family member or friend who has tested positive for COVID19 and being the main caregiver negatively influenced the appearance of BS, health and somatization. Conclusion: As a result of the data obtained of the ICU nurses, it is considered that there are compelling reasons that justify the need to establish protocols for psychological action aimed at ICU nurses