Short term effects of simulation training on stress, anxiety and burnout in critical care health professionals: before and after study

Abstract

Introduction: Anesthesia and critical care professionals have been shown to be particularly affected by the problems of stress, anxiety, and burnout. Simulation training could be a sustainable solution to help health care workers to deal with this situation. There is however poor scientific evidence on the short-term effect of simulation training on stress, anxiety and burnout in anesthesia and critical care workers. Material and methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over one year. All anesthesia and critical care professionals participating in simulation training for critical situations were considered for inclusion. Perceived Stress Score (PSS), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were collected before and 1 week after the training. Results: Ninety-three participants fully completed the before and after study. PSS levels were significantly lower after the simulation sessions (p = .008), as were STAI levels (anxiety state (p < .001) and anxious personality trait (p = .002). The severity of burnout levels also decreased after simulation training (p < .001). Conclusion: Simulation training based on critical situations exposure seems to have positive and rapid effects on stress, anxiety and burnout in anesthesia and critical care staff.