PhD Scientific Days 2026

Mental Health Sciences 2.

The Need for Psychological Support for Healthcare Professionals and Insights into Stress Factors in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care in Hungary

Name of the presenter

Bódi, Bernadett

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University, Institute of Behavioural Sciences

Authors

Dr. Bernadett Bódi¹
1: Semmelweis University, Institute of Behavioural Sciences

Text of the abstract

Introduction
Burnout and workforce attrition have become critical challenges in anaesthesiology and intensive care, especially since the COVID‑19 pandemic. These professions face sustained psychological strain, identifying group-specific stress profiles is essential to tailor mental health interventions.
Aims
This study aimed to assess the need for psychological support and work-related stress factors and compare these factors between physicians and allied health professionals in the field of anesthesiology and intensive care in Hungary.
Methods
A quantitative, nationwide, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 315 healthcare professionals (183 allied health professionals and 132 physicians) between May 2025 and January 2026. Participants rated the need for psychological support and 24 work-related stress factors on a 10-point Likert scale (1 = not necessary/low stress, 10 = absolutely necessary/high stress). As data were not normally distributed, non-parametric tests were applied. Ethics committee approval ID: BM/11339-3/2025.
Results
71.4% rated the need for regular psychological support ≥8, regardless of demographic or work‑related variables. No significant gender differences were observed (p = 0.712; d = −0.048). The highest‑rated stressor was shortage of nursing staff (Mean = 8.68, SD = 1.98; Mdn = 10.00 [IQR = 2]), which was significantly higher than the next factor, lack of time with family (Mean = 8.34, SD = 2.20; Mdn = 10.00 [IQR = 3]; Z = −2.398, p = 0.017, r = 0.135). Other prominent stressors included fatigue and sleep deprivation (Mean = 8.19, SD = 2.36; Mdn = 9.00 [IQR = 3]), limited leisure time (M = 8.17, SD = 2.25; Mdn = 9.00 [IQR = 3]), and lack of resources for patient care (M = 8.13, SD = 2.38; Mdn = 9.00 [IQR = 3]). Allied health professionals reported significantly higher stress levels across most domains, while physicians rated pressures related to scientific/technical advancement higher.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate a substantial need for psychological support in anaesthesiology and intensive care staff in Hungary. The elevated stress levels among allied health professionals compared to physicians and the prominence of systemic factors such as staffing shortages highlight the urgency of implementing feasible, profession-specific mental health interventions.
Funding
None