THE SILENT STRAIN: EXPLORING BURNOUT AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU) STAFF

Burnout among Intensive Care Unit (ICU) staff has emerged as a critical issue affecting both their well-being and the quality of patient care. This study aims to explore the primary factors contributing to burnout among ICU healthcare professionals, assess its impact on their mental health, and identify strategies to mitigate these challenges. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five hospitals across urban and rural settings, involving ICU nurses, physicians, and allied healthcare professionals. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, incorporating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. A total of 250 ICU healthcare workers were invited to participate, with 180 respondents (72% response rate), of whom 50 volunteered for in-depth interviews. Data collection was conducted using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to measure burnout levels and mental health outcomes. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts provided further insights into the lived experiences of ICU staff. Findings revealed that high workload, emotional exhaustion, and lack of institutional support were significant contributors to burnout. Furthermore, burnout was closely linked to increased anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Identified mitigation strategies included workload redistribution, mental health support programs, and resilience training. This study underscores the urgent need for institutional interventions to promote mental well-being among ICU professionals and enhance patient care outcomes.