Evaluating Professional Burnout and Psychological Distress Among Intensive Care Unit Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study

Aim This study aimed to evaluate burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression among intensive care unit (ICU) healthcare workers (HCWs) in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic. It sought to identify risk factors associated with burnout to inform targeted interventions and improve HCWs' well-being and patient care quality. Subject and methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in December 2021 in the ICU of Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), stress was assessed with the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), and anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). Physical questionnaires were distributed anonymously to HCWs. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine associations between burnout and demographic/work-related factors. Results A total of 76 HCWs responded to the survey out of 100 who were eligible. The study found an overall burnout rate of 43/76 (56.6%) among HCWs, with respiratory therapists being the most affected. Emotional exhaustion was reported by 53/76 (69.7%) participants, depersonalization by 35/76 (46.1%), and reduced personal accomplishment by 64/76 (84.2%). Multiple logistic regression demonstrated higher burnout rates associated with respiratory therapists and lower burnout rates associated with Filipino ethnicity. Stress affected 66/76 (86.8%) of HCWs, with physicians reporting the highest levels. Stress showed moderate correlations with emotional exhaustion (0.38) and depersonalization (0.33). Anxiety and depression, which were present in 63/76 (82.9%) participants, were strongly correlated with all burnout dimensions. Conclusion The findings highlight the urgent need for mental health resources and stress management interventions to address burnout among ICU HCWs, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing targeted strategies to mitigate burnout can enhance HCWs' well-being and maintain high standards of patient care. Further longitudinal research is recommended to explore the long-term impacts and effectiveness of interventions.