Abstract
BackgroundThe workloads of emergency physicians are severe. The prevalence of burnout among emergency physicians is higher than with other physicians or compared to the general population. The analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) is a valid method for objective monitoring of workload. The aim of this paper is to systematically evaluate the literature on heart rate variability as an objective indicator for mental stress of emergency physicians.MethodsA systematic literature review examining heart rate variability of emergency physicians in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement for reporting systematic reviews was performed. PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Libary, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases were used. The methodological quality was evaluated by using a modified STARD for HRV.ResultsTwo studies matched the inclusion criteria by using HRV between alert intervention and two other studies were considered that used HRV in other question areas. It showed an adaptation of HRV under stress. The studies were not comparable.ConclusionsThere is a need for occupational health studies that examine strains and stress of emergency physicians. The well-established parasympathetic mediated HRV parameters seem to be suitable parameters to objectify the stress.
Highlights
The workloads of emergency physicians are severe
Emergency physicians are exposed to many strains in their workday
A retrospective analysis from Austria showed that a strict indication for emergency physician intervention was only necessary in 17.1% of the alerts [3]
Summary
The workloads of emergency physicians are severe. The prevalence of burnout among emergency physicians is higher than with other physicians or compared to the general population. The aim of this paper is to systematically evaluate the literature on heart rate variability as an objective indicator for mental stress of emergency physicians. A retrospective analysis from Austria showed that a strict indication for emergency physician intervention was only necessary in 17.1% of the alerts [3]. Those measures would be intensive care, intubation, ventilation or catecholamine therapy. The authors reported a high number of calls with emergency physician, who were not needed during the rescue operation This can further increase the level of frustration as another workload for emergency physicians
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
