Burnout in palliative and intensive care units: does it make a difference?

Pereira, Sandra Martins; Hernández-Marrero, P.; Teixeira, C. M.; Carvalho, A. S.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/54385

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Authors

Pereira, Sandra Martins

Hernández-Marrero, P.

Teixeira, C. M.

Carvalho, A. S.

Abstract(s)

Background: Repeated contact with dying and death is a major burnout risk factor. Hence, professionals working in palliative and intensive care are at special risk. Aims: To identify and compare burnout levels and its related factors among professionals working in palliative and intensive care units in Portugal. Methods: Multicenter quantitative, comparative study. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used for data collection together with a questionnaire of socio-demographic and profession-related variables, and a questionnaire of work-related experiences in the week and day prior to completion. 392 professionals participated in this study; 92 worked in palliative care units (PCUs) and 300 in intensive care units (ICUs). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed; OR sidelong with 95% of CI were calculated. Results: While 25% of the professionals working in ICUs exhibited burnout, only 3% of those working in PCUs exhibited this syndrome. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that burnout was inversely associated with working in PCUs (OR= .419; .224–.785 95%CI). When controlling for other variables (e.g., professionals’ socio-demographic characteristics, post- graduated education in intensive/palliative care, work-related experiences), differences remained significant (OR= .396; .161–.976 95%CI). Higher levels of burnout in ICUs were related to being a nurse (OR=1.849, 95%CI 1.029–3,321) and experiencing conflicts (OR=2.170 95%CI 1.218–3,866). Conclusions: Burnout is inversily associated to working in PCUs. Work-related experiences (e.g., conflicts in the work context) increase the risk of developing burnout among professionals providing end-of-life care. These findings suggest the need to further implement conflict-management strategies in these settings, helping professionals to cope with high-demanding situations associated to providing end-of-life care.