Burnout and long COVID among the UK nephrology workforce: results from a national survey investigating the impact of COVID-19 on working lives

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic is placing a significant strain on healthcare. We conducted a national survey of the UK nephrology workforce to understand its impacts on their working lives. Methods An online questionnaire incorporating the Maslach Burnout Inventory Score was distributed between 31st March and 1st May 2021, with a focus on COVID-19 and long COVID incidence, vaccine uptake, burnout, and working patterns. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively; multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations. Results 423 responses were received. 29% had contracted COVID-19, more common among doctors and nurses (OR 2.18, 95%CI 1.13–4.22), and those under the age of 55 (OR 2.60, 95%CI 1.38–4.90). 36% of those who contracted COVID-19 had symptoms of long COVID, more common among ethnicities other than White British (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.09–6.05). 57% had evidence of burnout, more common amongst younger respondents (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.10–3.35) and those with long COVID (OR 10.31, 95% CI 1.32–80.70). 59% with reconfigured job plans continue to work more hours. More of those working full-time wished to retire early. 59% experienced remote working, with a majority preference to continue this in the future. 95% had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine; 86% had received two doses by May 2021. Conclusions Burnout and long COVID is prevalent with impacts on working lives. Some groups more at risk. Vaccination uptake is high, and remote and flexible working were well received. Institutional interventions are needed to prevent workforce attrition.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the kidney community: lessons learned and future directions

“…Although their education was maintained overall, 42% of fellows reported a negative impact of the pandemic on their overall quality of life, 33% reported a poorer work–life balance, and 15% scored as experiencing high distress measured using the Resident Well-Being Index. Similar findings were seen for trainees in the UK 154 , France and Belgium 155 .…”

Organizational support, training and equipment are key determinants of burnout among dialysis healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The UK report was not focused specifically on hemodialysis personnel, which may explain the higher rates of participants perceiving low personal accomplishment in our cohort. Selvaskandan et al found that burnout was more common among younger respondents and those with long COVID [ 22 ]. In our survey, we did not address long COVID specifically, but we did not observe associations between burnout and SARS-CoV-2 infections.…”

“…Burnout among nephrologists has been an increasingly discussed topic in recent years, which indicates a growing understanding of its relevance for both patient satisfaction [ 19 ] and the nephrology workforce [ 20 ]. The influence of the current pandemic on burnout among renal healthcare professionals has so far only been addressed in two reports—the international survey on COVID-19 experiences which enrolled mostly nurses [ 21 ] and the national UK report on the influence of long COVID-19 on burnout and work life among the nephrology workforce [ 22 ].…”

Regional variations in nephrology trainee confidence with clinical skills may relate to the availability of local training opportunities in the UK: results from a national survey

“…At a more fundamental level, fostering individuality is fundamental to trainee well-being and job satisfaction [ 23 , 24 ]. This is particularly important for preventing workforce attrition in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where burnout levels and plans for early retirement are at a high [ 11 ].…”

“…This could reduce morale, increase burnout, and at worst, lead to poorer patient care [ 7 – 10 ]. Such disparities are critical to address, especially in the context of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, which has negatively impacted trainee morale and increased the risk of attrition within the UK nephrology workforce [ 11 ].…”