Anaesthesia
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The numerical rating scale and visual analogue scale are used to quantify pain intensity. However, it has not yet been explored whether these scores are interchangeable in adults with chronic pain. Data from the prospective multicentre cross-sectional INTERVAL study were used to evaluate the one-dimensionality and agreement between numerical rating scale scores and visual analogue scale scores in adults with chronic pain. ⋯ The strength of agreement between pain severity categories was classified as 'moderate' for average and minimal pain and 'substantial' for current and maximal pain. The proportion of patients who scored minimal pain ≤ maximal pain was 97.5% for the numerical rating scale and 89.5% for the visual analogue scale. This study failed to show an acceptable agreement between the numerical rating scale and visual analogue scale when pain intensity was rated by adults with chronic pain, despite showing both scales measure the same information.
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Multicenter Study
Burnout and its determinants among anaesthesia care providers in Switzerland: a multicentre cross-sectional study.
The escalating epidemic of burnout in healthcare professionals affects provider well-being, patient care and sustainability of healthcare systems. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout among anaesthesia care providers (consultants, trainees or nurse anaesthetists) in Switzerland and identify risk factors to develop strategies for prevention. This multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted at 22 anaesthesia departments in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, using an online questionnaire. ⋯ Logistic regression analysis found significant associations between burnout and perceived lack of support at work among physicians (odds ratio (95%CI) 2.66 (1.40-5.24), p = 0.004); being a trainee in the 1st and 2nd year of training (2.91 (1.14-7.41), p = 0.024); being a trainee with > 5 years of experience (2.78 (1.08-6.98), p = 0.031); and male gender among nurses (4.13 (1.62-11.2), p = 0.004) and physicians (2.32 (1.22-4.47), p = 0.011). Work-related errors due to high workload or fatigue were reported by 65% (444/688) and consideration of leaving the profession due to working conditions was expressed by 46% (319/688) of respondents. Anaesthetic care providers in German-speaking Switzerland experience a considerable prevalence of burnout, influenced mainly by workplace factors.