Burnout in emergency medicine professionals after 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic: a threat to the healthcare system?

Abstract

Background Burnout is a common problem among healthcare professionals (HCPs), in particular young doctors and nurses working in emergency medical services. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has generated a substantial increase in the workload of those working in front-line services, and there is evidence of physical and mental distress among professionals that may have caused an increase in burnout. Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the level of burnout in the different professionals of emergency medical services. Design and participants In January and February 2022, we conducted an online survey based on the Abbreviate Maslach inventory with the addition of three questions focused on possible modifying factors. The survey was disseminated to HCP via the list of European Society for Emergency Medicine contacts. Outcome measures The analysis was based on two of the three elements of the Maslach burnout concept, ‘depersonalisation’, ‘emotional exhaustion’, and ‘personal accomplishment’. Overall burnout was defined when at least one of the two elements ‘depersonalisation’ or ‘emotional exhaustion’ reached the level of high burnout. Results The number of responders was 1925, 84% of which were physicians, 12% nurses, and 2% paramedics. Burnout was present in 62% of all responders. A high burnout level was reported for depersonalisation, emotional exhaustion, and personal accomplishment in 47%, 46%, and 48% of responders, respectively. Females reported a higher proportion of burnout compared with males 64% vs. 59%, difference −6% [95% confidence interval CI, −8 to −1.9], and nurses higher than physicians, 73% vs. 60%, difference −13 (95% CI, −18.8 to −6). Less experienced professionals reported higher levels of burnout: those with less than 5 years of experience the burnout level was 74% compared with the group with more than 10 years, 60%, difference −26% (95% CI, −32 to −19.5). Reported frequent understaffing situations were associated with a higher risk of burnout: 70% vs. 37%, difference −33% (95% CI, −41 to −25). Burnout was associated with a higher risk of desire to change the workplace: 87% vs. 40%, difference −47% (95% CI, −52 to −42). Survey responders reported having access to support programmes in 41% of cases. Conclusion In this study, there is a high reported level of burnout among emergency HCPs. Several risk factors were identified such as being understaffed, female, or having less experience. HCPs with burnout thought more frequently about leaving the workplace, posing a threat to healthcare systems.

The Association of Life Events Outside the Workplace and Burnout: A Cross-Sectional Study on Nursing Assistants

“…It should be considered that changes in contemporary external conditions including the COVID-19 pandemic crisis could interfere with the occurrence of life events and burnout. During the COVID-19 crisis, high burnout level was reported for depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and personal accomplishment, respectively, in 47%, 46%, and 48% of 1925 emergency medicine professionals including physicians, nurses, and paramedics [ 60 ]. In Brazil, a great impact of COVID-19 in depersonalization and emotional exhaustion has been reported in a sample composed of physicians, nurses, nurse technologists and physiotherapists [ 61 ].…”

Seven days in medicine: 25-31 May 2022

“…Females reported a higher proportion of burnout than males, and nurses were more likely than physicians to report burnout. Only 41% of responders reported having access to psychological support 2…”

Qualitative study to explore UK medical students’ and junior doctors’ experiences of occupational stress and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…This qualitative study captures their voices at a distinct and testing time, among rising rates of COVID-19 in the summer of 2021 and the long-term impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers’ well-being remains unclear. 36 37 Consequently, continued efforts to protect medical students’ and junior doctors’ well-being are warranted. In doing so, retention issues may be addressed, which threaten patient safety, and the future of health services.…”