INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to discover the prevalence and risk factors of burnout among physicians and nurses working in intensive care units and emergency departments.
METHODS: This systematic review followed the reporting guidance from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A literature search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase. The search was conducted in November 2023. English-language studies reporting burnout prevalence and risk factors among intensive care units and emergency physicians and nurses, with primary outcomes, were identified. Quantitative studies with observational designs underwent review, with 2 independent reviewers screening titles, abstracts, and full texts for inclusion. Quality assessment used Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. A meta-analysis was conducted if data were sufficient.
RESULTS: This review included 17 studies. The pooled prevalence rates for burnout, high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment were 46%, 48%, 30%, and 47%, respectively. Factors such as age, sex, smoking/tobacco use, education level, years of experience, workload, and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 were identified as significant determinants of burnout in this population.
DISCUSSION: The results assisted in determining preventive strategies and identified areas for future research.
