Cross-sectional survey on physician burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vancouver, Canada: the role of gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of physician burnout during the pandemic and differences by gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.Design, setting and participantsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey (August–October in 2020) of internal medicine physicians at two academic hospitals in Vancouver, Canada.Primary and secondary outcomesPhysician burnout and its components, emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment were measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory.ResultsThe response rate was 38% (n=302/803 respondents, 49% women,). The prevalence of burnout was 68% (emotional exhaustion 63%, depersonalisation 39%) and feeling low personal accomplishment 22%. In addition, 21% reported that they were considering quitting the profession or had quit a position. Women were more likely to report emotional exhaustion (OR 2.00, 95% CI: 1.07 to 3.73, p=0.03) and feeling low personal accomplishment (OR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.09 to 4.70, p=0.03) than men. Visible ethnic minority physicians were more likely to report feeling lower personal accomplishment than white physicians (OR 1.81, 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.55, p=0.001). There was no difference in emotional exhaustion or depersonalisation by ethnicity or sexual orientation. Physicians who reported that COVID-19 affected their burnout were more likely to report any burnout (OR: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.99 to 7.01, p<0.001) and consideration of quitting or quit (OR: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.34 to 7.66, p=0.009).ConclusionBurnout affects 2 out of 3 internal medicine physicians during the pandemic. Women, ethnic minority physicians and those who feel that COVID-19 affects burnout were more likely to report components of burnout. Further understanding of factors driving feelings of low personal accomplishment in women and ethnic minority physicians is needed.

COVID-19 mental health prevalence and its risk factors in South East Asia

“…Nevertheless, being at front lines fighting the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, the HCWs are subjected to long working hours, exhaustion and as our review shows, a high burnout prevalence (Sunjaya et al, 2021 ; Tan et al, 2020 ). The studies generally reported HCWs who had direct contact with COVID-19 patients to be more likely at risk of being burnout, in line with other studies in other regions including Canada (Khan et al, 2021 ) and US (Kannampallil et al, 2020 ). Considering the current situation of the pandemic in which the majority of the SEA countries are grappling with record breaking cases, deaths and hospitalizations exacerbated with a slow and low vaccination process, the HCWs are at a greater risk of adverse mental effects.…”

Burnout in Hospital-Based Healthcare Workers during COVID-19

“…141 This concern is also supported by a survey of 131 physicians and nurses in a Montreal hospital where the intention to quit was reported by 50% of nurses and 20% of physicians and a survey of 257 physicians in Vancouver of whom 21% were considering quitting. 104,113 In a Toronto hospital in Spring 2021, 30% of nurses and 13% of physicians surveyed reported considering leaving their jobs, specifically because of moral distress (Hunter J, personal communication). Observation indicates that professionals are acting on their intention to leave.…”

“…A survey of 250 internal medicine specialist physicians in two Vancouver hospitals conducted from August to October 2020, found a prevalence of severe emotional exhaustion (MBI-EE >26) of 63%. 104 A longitudinal survey of a single cohort of 422 staff representing diverse roles (nurses, doctors, professionals of other disciplines, support services, researchers, learners etc.) in a downtown Toronto hospital repeated three times at three-month intervals from November 2020 to May 2021 found high and rising burnout.…”

“…One Canadian study of internal medicine specialists found that visible minority physicians were more likely to report lower personal accomplishment than others, but these groups did not differ in emotional exhaustion. 104 Regarding sex differences, women healthcare personnel (including nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers) have had higher emotional exhaustion, 104,112,114,117,[119][120][121] whereas males report higher depersonalization. 112,114,117,121,122 Regarding gender, a study of U.S. anesthetists in March 2020 found that those who identify as LGBTQ2S+ experienced greater burnout.…”

COVID-19 depression and its risk factors in Asia Pacific – A systematic review and meta-analysis

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