Practice environment and burnout in intensive care units: is job satisfaction a mediator in this relationship?

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the relationship between the perception of nursing professionals in intensive care units about the practice environment, the burnout level and job satisfaction, based on a theoretical model. Method: a cross-sectional correlational study was carried out with 114 nursing professionals from a university hospital in the northwest of São Paulo state. A personal and professional characterization form, the Practice Environment Scale, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the job satisfaction subscale of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire were used. Descriptive analyses were carried out, and comparison tests (non-paired Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis), correlations (Pearson or Spearman) and structural equation modeling were used in order to evaluate the mediating effect. Results: the professionals reported a favorable practice environment, job satisfaction, low levels of emotional exhaustion, high levels of personal fulfillment and moderate levels of depersonalization. Job satisfaction was found to have a partial mediating effect between the practice environment and burnout. Conclusion: actions aimed at improving the practice environment can directly reduce burnout or mediate it by increasing job satisfaction. Understanding these relationships is fundamental to promoting a favorable environment, minimizing burnout and increasing job satisfaction.