Factors Contributing to Healthcare Professional Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Turnaround Global Survey

Abstract

Background: Healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the front lines against COVID-19 may face increased workload, and stress. Understanding HCPs risk for burnout is critical to supporting HCPs and maintaining the quality of healthcare during the pandemic. Methods: To assess exposure, perceptions, workload, and possible burnout of HCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic we conducted a cross-sectional survey. The main outcomes and measures were HCPs self-assessment of burnout and other experiences and attitudes associated with working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings: A total of 2,707 HCPs from 60 countries participated in this study. Fifty-one percent of HCPs reported burnout. Burnout was associated with work impacting household activities (RR=1.57, 95% CI=1.39-1.78, P<0.001), feeling pushed beyond training (RR=1.32, 95% CI=1.20-1.47, P<0.001), exposure to COVID-19 patients (RR=1.18, 95% CI=1.05-1.32, P=0.005), making life prioritizing decisions (RR=1.16, 95% CI=1.02-1.31, P=0.03). Adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) was protective against burnout (RR=0.88, 95% CI=0.79-0.97, P=0.01). Burnout was higher in high-income countries (HICs) compared to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (RR=1.18; 95% CI=1.02-1.36, P=0.018). Interpretation: Burnout is prevalent at higher than previously reported rates among HCPs working during the COVID-19 pandemic and is related to high workload, job stress, and time pressure, and limited organizational support. Current and future burnout among HCPs could be mitigated by actions from healthcare institutions and other governmental and non-governmental stakeholders aimed at potentially modifiable factors, including providing additional training, organizational support, support for family, PPE, and mental health resources. Funding: N/A

Symptoms of burnout in intensive care unit specialists facing the COVID-19 outbreak

“…Given the highly contagious nature of SARS-CoV-2, occupational hazards have been associated with more emotional impact in physicians who work on the frontline [10]. However, this study, including ICU specialists managing critically ill COVID-19 patients, did not confirm that exposure to the disease or the physical strain associated with the surge were the leading factors for symptoms of severe burnout, anxiety, and depression [10,12,13]. The number of COVID-19 patients managed, the number of night shifts per month, or time since the last vacation at the time of the surge were not associated with either symptom.…”

“…In a systematic review of 13 studies (33,062 participants), the pooled prevalence of anxiety and depression was 23.2%, and 22.8%, respectively [11]. In a study of healthcare providers exposed to COVID-19 patients, half of them self-perceived burnout [12]. In another study of 376 healthcare professionals in Italy, more than 1 out of 3 showed a high score of emotional exhaustion, and 1 out of 4 reported high levels of depersonalization, while around 15% reported low levels of personal accomplishment [13].…”

Burnout among Portuguese healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Portuguese HCWs followed the trend of burnout seen in studies from other countries [ 23 , 42 ]. Our findings show that more than half of HCWs experienced high levels of personal and work-related burnout, while most participants (64.6%) had low rates of client-related burnout.…”

The Effect of Stress, Anxiety and Burnout Levels of Healthcare Professionals Caring for COVID-19 Patients on Their Quality of Life

“…A study conducted on healthcare professionals showed a significant positive relationship between stress and burnout (Morgantini et al, 2020). Another study investigating the relationship between burnout, anxiety, and stress disorders during the COVID-19 epidemic reported that doctors and nurses experienced high levels of mental health problems, including burnout (Sung et al, 2020).…”