Clinicians who work in a neonatal ICU (NICU) are more likely to burn out if their unit handles a high patient volume and if it uses an electronic health record system, according to a study of 41 California NICUs. Among investigators’ findings, which included data on 1,934 nurse practitioners, physicians, RNs, and respiratory therapists, are the following:

• The overall prevalence of burnout was 26.7%.
• Burnout occurred in 32.1% of clinicians with higher average daily admissions—compared to those with lower admissions (17.2%).
• Burnout was also more likely to occur in clinicians working in units with higher average occupancy: 28.1% vs 19.9%.
• EHRs were associated with more burnout as well: 28% vs 18% for those without EHRs.
• There was no association between burnout and the percentage of high risk patients.