Authors

  1. Fumagalli, Monica MD, PhD
  2. Provenzi, Livio PsyD, PhD
  3. Sorrentino, Gabriele RN, MSN
  4. Ciceri, Francesca MS
  5. Fontana, Camilla PhD
  6. Passera, Sofia MD
  7. Moncecchi, Michela MS
  8. Plevani, Laura MSN
  9. Laquintana, Dario MSN
  10. Borgatti, Renato MD, PhD
  11. Mosca, Fabio MD
  12. Montirosso, Rosario PsyD

Abstract

Background: Healthcare providers working in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are considered at high risk for psychological work-related stress.

 

Purpose: To evaluate both perceived and biological measures of work-related stress in neonatal healthcare professionals and to compare professionals working in the NICU with their colleagues working in less critical environments (ie, neonatal wards [NWs]).

 

Methods: The salivary cortisol level at the beginning (CORT-B) and at the end (CORT-E) of a daily work shift was collected once a week for 6 weeks and a psychological questionnaire was submitted to NW and NICU workers of a tertiary university center.

 

Results: No differences emerged in the overall cortisol secretion between professionals (NW 45 vs NICU 28), but the decrease in the mean cortisol values between CORT-B and CORT-E was less pronounced in NICU professionals (P < .001) who had greater psychological stress (P < .001). Lack of correlation between perceived and biological indexes was observed.

 

Implications for Practice: NICU professionals reported greater levels of self-perceived psychological stress, especially in terms of professional self-doubt and the complexity of interactions with infants and their parents.

 

The disconnection between psychological and biological indexes raises the issue that work-related stress might be covert to the professionals themselves. Dedicated resources should be developed to address quality of life and the work environment of NICU professionals.

 

Implications for Research: The absence of a correlation between perceived and biological indexes highlights the need to incorporate multidimensional physiological and biological measurements in evaluating burnout levels in neonatal healthcare providers.