Objective:Burnout is a global work-related phenomenon. Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses are at risk ofburnout and the COVID-19 pandemic may increase this risk. The objectives of this study were to assessthe prevalence of burnout risk and identify risk factors among ICU nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.Research methodology:Web-based survey performed during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic inFrench speaking Belgium
Main outcome measures:Risk of burnout was assessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale.
Results:A total of 1135 ICU nurses responded to the questionnaire. The overall prevalence of burnout riskwas 68%. A total of 29% of ICU nurses were at risk of depersonalisation (DP), 31% of reduced personalaccomplishment (PA), and 38% of emotional exhaustion (EE). A 1:3 nurse-to-patient ratio increased therisk of EE (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.07–2.95) and DP (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.09–2.40). Those who reported havinga higher perceived workload during the COVID-19 pandemic were at higher risk for all dimensions ofburnout. Shortage of personal protective equipment increased the risk of EE (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.35–3.34) and nurses who reported having symptoms of COVID-19 without being tested were at higher riskof EE (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.68–1.87).
Conclusions:Two-thirds of ICU nurses were at risk of burnout and this risk was associated with theirworking conditions during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend monitoring the riskof burnout and implementing interventions to prevent and manage it, taking into account the factorsidentified in this study.
