Burnout of Support Personnel in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

Background: Healthcare professionals experience stressors in the workplace, putting them at elevated risk for burnout. The cardiac catheterization lab is a dynamic environment with high-acuity patients; however, little has been published investigating burnout syndrome among healthcare workers. The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence, demographic, and workload factors, which contribute to burnout syndrome among this population.

Methods: This is a multicenter cross-sectional study assessing burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) among registered nurses and registered cardiac invasive specialists working in the catheterization/electrophysiology lab and cardiac observation unit at four hospital centers in the metro Detroit area.

Results: Of the 48 participants, 69% (n = 33) were female. The overall prevalence of burnout syndrome was 33% (n = 16). Significantly more males experienced burnout than females (P < 0.05). Of the participants experiencing burnout, a greater proportion worked in the catheterization lab compared to the cardiac observation unit (93.8% vs. 6.3%). Burned-out participants worked on average more day shifts, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) call shifts, and extended day shifts per month compared to those not experiencing burnout. The rate of burnout was significantly higher for individuals reporting increased stress during the pandemic (69% vs. 18%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Registered nurses and registered cardiac invasive specialists working in the cardiac catheterization or electrophysiology lab experience elevated levels of burnout. Greater attention should be placed in identifying and optimizing workplace variables which contribute to burnout among this population.