Influence of thrombectomy volume on non-physician staff burnout and attrition in neurointerventional teams

Background Burnout takes a heavy toll on healthcare providers. We sought to assess the prevalence and risk factors for burnout among neurointerventional (NI) non-physician procedural staff (nurses and technologists) given increasing thrombectomy demands. Methods A 41-question online survey containing questions including the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel was distributed to NI nurses and radiology technologists at 20 US endovascular capable stroke centers. Results 244 responses were received (64% response rate). Median (IQR) composite scores for emotional exhaustion were 25 (15-35), depersonalization 6 (2-11), and personal accomplishment 39 (35-43). Fifty-one percent of respondents met established criteria for burnout. There was no significant relationship between hospital thrombectomy volume, call frequency, call cases covered, or length of commute. On multiple logistic regression analysis, feeling under-appreciated by hospital leadership (OR 4.1; P<0.001) and working with difficult/unpleasant physicians (OR 1.2; P=0.05) were strongly associated with burnout. At participating centers, nurse and technologist attrition was 25% over the previous year. Over 50% of respondents indicated they had strongly considered leaving their position over the last 2 years. Conclusions This survey of US NI non-physician procedural staff demonstrates a self-reported burnout prevalence of 51%. This was driven more by interaction with leadership and physician staff than by thrombectomy procedural volume and stroke call. Attrition among NI non-physician procedural staff is high.