Research for the future

Turnover in ICU

Intensive care environments are characterized by high clinical complexity, constant exposure to life‑threatening situations, and ethically challenging decisions. Together, these factors create a demanding work context that can affect healthcare workers’ well‑being and their willingness to remain in their position. Intensive care units (ICUs) depend on experienced specialists to care for the sickest people in society and are therefore particularly vulnerable to the loss of expertise and staff.

The healthcare system is simultaneously under pressure at several levels, with an increasing number of patients due to an aging population, higher levels of morbidity, and more clinically complex conditions. This occurs in parallel with fewer employees and a persistent imbalance between the supply of and demand for care. At the same time, healthcare services face growing expectations for cost‑efficient care and more efficient organizational structures, potentially intensifying the pressure on ICUs and their staff.

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Welcome to this page dedicated to research on the challenges within the intensive care work environment. The focus is on understanding the factors that influence health care workers' decisions to remain in or leave their positions. By generating valuable insights, this research aims to support the sustainability of ICU services and safeguard essential intensive care expertise for the future. Explore innovative solutions to enhance retention and improve the overall work environment in ICUs.