Exploring the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PICU consultants, advanced nurse practitioners and trainee doctors. (2nd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Christmas, Alex; Mackinnon, Catriona; Brincat, Edgar; Donnelly, Peter; Worrall, Mark
• Is Part Of: British journal of child health. Volume 3:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 88
• Publication Date: 2022-04-02
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- wellbeing -- PICU -- burnout -- stress -- fatigue; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Children -- Nutrition -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 613.0432
• DOI: 10.12968/chhe.2022.3.2.77
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2633-5417

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) staff members are at risk of burnout, stress, and fatigue. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected how we live and work; we postulate this increases the risk of stress-related disorders. Aims: To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of PICU clinicians. Methods: An anonymised, single-centre survey was sent to clinicians, comprising four sections: burnout, work-related stress, work-related fatigue, and work-life balance. Two free-text questions explored perceptions of work-life balance and measures to improve wellbeing. Results: 55.6% of respondents returned scores suggesting high burnout risk. 55.6% had answers suggesting work-related stress. 82.4% reported work-related fatigue. 55.5% felt that work-life balance had not improved during the pandemic. Conclusions: The proportion of staff at risk of burnout in this study is higher than that reported in pre-pandemic studies. Perceived work-life balance has been negatively impacted, and high levels of work-related stress and fatigue were identified.