Burnout syndrome among intensive care unit professionals: a systematic review of occurrence and associated factors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-9432.2026v5n1p2206-2224Keywords:
Síndrome de Burnout, estresse ocupacional, impactos, sintomas, intervenção.Abstract
Introduction: Burnout syndrome is a major occupational health problem among healthcare professionals, particularly those working in intensive care units (ICUs), environments characterized by high clinical complexity, continuous monitoring of critically ill patients and frequent exposure to suffering and death. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the literature on burnout syndrome among professionals working in intensive care units, focusing on the occurrence of the phenomenon and the factors associated with its development. Method: Systematic review conducted according to PRISMA recommendations. Data were collected from recognized scientific databases using a structured search strategy combining descriptors related to burnout syndrome, healthcare professionals and intensive care units with Boolean operators. Records were imported into Rayyan for duplicate removal and screening of titles and abstracts. A total of 206 records were identified, with 26 duplicates removed, resulting in 180 studies screened. After eligibility criteria were applied, 36 articles were assessed in full text, and 17 were excluded due to lack of access to full text. Nineteen studies were included in the final synthesis. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools according to study design. Results: The included studies indicate a relevant occurrence of burnout among ICU professionals, particularly intensivist physicians and nurses. Emotional exhaustion was the most frequently reported dimension and was consistently associated with organizational and psychosocial factors, including high workload, unfavorable work environment, moral distress and psychological stress. Burnout was also associated with occupational outcomes such as reduced organizational commitment and increased turnover intention. Studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic reported intensified emotional burden and higher risk of burnout. Conclusion: Burnout syndrome shows relevant occurrence among professionals working in intensive care units and is strongly associated with organizational and psychosocial work-related factors. Organizational interventions that promote adequate working conditions and structured psychosocial support are essential strategies for the prevention and management of burnout syndrome in the workplace.
Keywords: Burnout; Intensive Care Unit; Occupational Stress.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Maurien Murielle Barbosa Mendonça, Francisco Naildo Cardoso Leitão, Guilherme Neves Pinheiro, Elissandra Pereira Machado, Yally Alves da Silva Sbardelott, Gabriele Lima e Lima, Calina da Silva Araújo, Jamilene Rodrigues dos Santos Dutra, Samuel Ryan Santana da Silva, Franciely Gomes Gonçalves
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