Burnout among medical doctors working in paediatric intensive care units in Bulgaria - Report - MDSpire

Burnout among medical doctors working in paediatric intensive care units in Bulgaria

  • By

  • Mergyul Halilova

  • Darina Krumova

  • Tanya Zlateva

  • Tanya Teneva

  • Dimitar Pechilkov

  • Bogdan Mladenov

  • Blagomir Zdravkov

  • Ivan Ivanov

  • Daniela Avdjieva

  • Yoto Yotov

  • Violeta Iotova

  • June 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Burnout Syndrome in Physicians Practicing in PICUs in Bulgaria

Overview

Revise to clarify the relationship between job satisfaction and burnout symptoms.

Background

Burnout syndrome is a critical issue affecting healthcare professionals, particularly in high-stress environments like PICUs. The unique challenges faced by PICU staff, including emotional demands and complex patient care, contribute to a heightened risk of burnout. Understanding the prevalence and impact of burnout in this setting is essential for improving staff well-being and patient care quality.

Data Highlights

Cross-check and ensure all data points are accurate and consistent with the original study.

Key Findings

  • 70.3% of PICU staff reported working between 40 and 50 hours per week.
  • 73% experienced symptoms of overheating, depression, and anxiety.
  • 75.6% reported feeling exhausted from work.
  • 40.5% defined themselves as “crushed” by their workload.
  • Despite burnout symptoms, the majority expressed satisfaction with their specialty choice.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare administrators should prioritize mental health support and implement strategies to reduce workload and improve work-life balance for PICU staff. Establishing pediatric intensive care as a distinct specialty may help address the unique challenges faced by these professionals.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the prevalence of burnout among physicians in Bulgarian PICUs, highlighting the need for systemic changes to support healthcare workers in high-stress environments.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Acta Paediatrica, 2023 -- Burnout Syndrome in Physicians Practicing in PICUs in Bulgaria
  2. Intensive Care Medicine (Springer) — Parenting, pregnancy and work–family balance in intensive care medicine: an ESICM survey and a call for action
  3. conexiant — Burnout Tied to Physician Turnover
  4. keck medicine of usc — Physician Burnout: How a Neurocritical Care/Stroke Physician Manages Work-Life Balance
  5. The New Gastroenterologist — Emerging and Transitioning Gastroenterologists Also Experience Burnout
  6. Parenting, pregnancy and work–family balance in intensive care medicine: an ESICM survey and a call for action
  7. Burnout Tied to Physician Turnover
  8. Physician Burnout: How a Neurocritical Care/Stroke Physician Manages Work-Life Balance
  9. Guidance on policy and strategic actions for government-led cross sectoral mental health initiatives
  10. Burnout Among Physicians and Nurses Working in Intensive Care Units and Emergency Departments: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - ScienceDirect
  11. Professional Coaching to Reduce Physician Burnout: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Journal of General Internal Medicine | Springer Nature Link

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