Emotional depletion in critical care staff.

Abstract

The cumulative effect of multiple patient deaths upon critical care staff may lead to emotional depletion and spiritual exhaustion. Attitudinal, behavioral, and social factors which contribute to such effects are examined. These factors include unresolved grief, the need to be perfect, projection of one's own needs, overseriousness, lack of sharing, inappropriate sharing at home, norms of solemnity, lack of structured opportunities for sharing, and administrative non-responsiveness. Empirical research to further define the nature and etiology of "staff burnout" is a logical, but most difficult, next step.