Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of burnout syndrome in frontline physicians: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the prevalence of burnout syndrome (BS) in physicians working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Paraíba and to investigate the association between BS and the sociodemographic and labor variables of these professionals.METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including physicians who were active during the pandemic in Paraíba, whether they were on the front line (group 1) or not (group 2). Sociodemographic and labor variables were collected, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) questionnaire was applied.RESULTS: A total of 126 physicians were included, including 82 who were on the front line. Among the professionals with results compatible with BS, 85.5% were in group 1, compared with 14.5% in group 2, and this difference was statistically significant. At the 5% level, the variables associated with BS were age (24-33 years), not having children, working on the front line, working in the COVID-19 ICU, being on duty, and having contracted COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: This case series found a positive association between the development of BS and medical action on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic in Paraíba.

A systematic review and meta analysis on burnout in physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic: A hidden healthcare crisis

“…Europe ( 8 , 26 , 42 , 48 , 53 , 57 , 60 , 62 , 66 , 69 , 73 ) was represented by 11 (24.4%) studies while the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) ( 25 , 32 , 39 , 44 , 46 , 49 , 50 , 64 , 65 , 70 ) were represented by ten (22.2%) studies each. South America ( 24 , 40 , 52 , 54 , 61 , 75 ), North America ( 27 , 76 ), and Australia ( 43 ) were represented by six (13.3%), two (4.4%), and one (2.2%) study respectively. Burnout results between nurses and physicians were compared in fourteen studies ( 32 , 42 , 43 , 53 , 55 , 56 , 62 , 63 , 67 – 71 , 74 ).…”

“…In terms of regions, fifteen (33.3%) of studies (28,41,45,47 (25,32,39,44,46,49,50,64,65,70) were represented by ten (22.2%) studies each. South America (24,40,52,54,61,75), North America (27,76), and Australia (43) were represented by six (13.3%), two (4.4%), and one (2.2%) study respectively. Burnout results between nurses and physicians were compared in fourteen studies (32,42,43,53,55,56,62,63,(67)(68)(69)(70)(71)74).…”

Burnout syndrome in intensive care physicians in time of the COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

“…A high prevalence of burnout syndrome has also been reported among frontline nurses, healthcare workers in wards and emergency departments 4 10–14. There are few studies, however, assessing burnout syndrome in physicians working in ICUs dedicated to the care of patients with COVID-19 in Brazil 15 16…”

Lições da pandemia de Covid-19: um estudo quali-quantitativo com estudantes de Medicina e médicos recém-formados

“…Estudos realizados nas urgências hospitalares estimam aumento de 5,5% na mortalidade quando o médico é induzido a reduzir 10% do tempo de atendimento, sugerindo maior rapidez em detrimento de qualidade 29 . Durante a pandemia, com o aumento no número de atendimentos e a necessidade de intervenções clínicas rápidas, quadros de burnout foram diagnosticados em número expressivo de profissionais médicos, com prevalência em estudos variando de 40% a 60%, especialmente nos que atuaram na linha de frente [30][31][32] . No futuro próximo, isso poderá resultar em uma reavaliação de carga de trabalho por parte dos profissionais médicos que optarão por maior qualidade de vida e satisfação laboral.…”