TDNet Discover

Background: HCPs are undoubtedly exposed to high levels of stress, making them more susceptible to moral distress and at a higher risk for burnout. Working in an Intensive Care Unit or CCM is associated with even higher levels of both stress and burnout. Critical care providers, specifically APPs, are subjected to an increased workload intensity, complex patient cases, and rapidly declining patients, and all of these factors contribute to higher rates of stress and burnout. Purpose: The objective of this study is to address how stress affects the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral health as well as the overall perceived stability of CCM HCPs;How caring for critically ill patients for extended periods can alter an HCPs perspective when caring for future patients and to determine whether patient outcomes lead to significant repercussions and how to further mold or change the current practice methods and behaviors of HCPs. Methods: A focused literature search was performed to gather research on CCM HCPs. Records were identified through electronic databases which were further analyzed by three independent researchers. Studies were thoroughly evaluated for eligibility and either included or excluded based on predetermined criteria to ensure the primary focus of increasing internal validity. Design: A focused literature search on the topic was completed to answer the research questions, and the resulting material underwent a systematic review (SR) by three independent researchers. A quality assessment was conducted on the final selection of studies, using The NHLBI Study Quality Assessment Tool and the Data Extraction Tool was utilized for qualitative analysis and synthesis of findings pertinent to the research question. Results: Burnout among APP’s working in CCM is increasingly prevalent. Circumstances including organizational factors, interpersonal work-relationship quality, conflict, age of staff, number of years working in the unit, end-of-life decision-making, and even personal v characteristics were all determined to be risk factors of experiencing burnout. The consequences felt by individuals experiencing this type of distress include both major and minor factors that can carry over into life outside of their occupation. Some ramifications include depression, PTSD, depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, reduced sense of both personal and professional accomplishments, and negative impacts on interpersonal relationships. Conclusion: APPs working in CCM are subjected to a high stress workplace environment that puts these individuals at an increased risk of developing burnout. The effects of burnout, in turn, result in repercussions felt in APPs professional and personal entities. It has been determined that implementing and incorporating a variety of different methods, including a positive and collaborative workspace, problem-focused coping styles, and various support programs, have aided in reducing stress and burnout among this population of HCPs working in CCM.