Sunday October 15, 2006
Burnout among intensivists !!

We tried to explore literature to find studies related to burnout rate among intensivists. Interestingly, we found only 2 scientific studies each related to adult and pediatric intensivists. Both studies are available in references. These studies were done about 10 years ago and we assume that burnout rate is even higher today in view of more demand, recognition and acceptance of intensivist led model.


Adult Study:

248 physicians responded to tool of Maslach Burnout Inventory survey. MBI survey looks into 3 aspects of burnout

• Emotional exhaustion
• Depersonalization
• Personal accomplishment

A third of respondents scored in the high range of the emotional exhaustion, 20.4% of respondents scored in the high range of depersonalization score, and 59% scoring in the low range of personal achievement scores.

Pediatric study:

In this study, the Burnout Scale of Pines and Aronson was used and 389 pediatric intensivists responded. 11 years ago, 50% of pediatric intensivists were at risk of burned out. Interestingly, Overall, there was no association between having fellows; having protected time for research and publications; frequency of being called at home; frequency of returning to the hospital when called at home; or call schedule. (Routine exercise was associated with lower Burnout Scores).

In newly released US Department of Health and Human Services

Report to Congress: The Critical Care Workforce: A Study of the Supply and Demand for Critical Care Physicians - it has been predicted that by 2020, the demand for intensivists would likely increase by 129 percent above the current supply. The 2 major reasons for shortage would be the aging population and the increased utilization of intensivists(including burnout). Is it time for another survey from SCCM or ACCP ?

Related previous pearls:
Intensivists' compensation
Optimum patients' load for intensivist

References: click to get abstract/article

1. Burnout in the internist--intensivist. - Intensive Care Med.1996 Jul;22(7):625-30.
2. Physician burnout in pediatric critical care medicine. - Crit Care Med. 1995 Aug;23(8):1425-9