COVID-19 Outbreak Can Change the Job Burnout in Health Care Professionals

The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Job Burnout Among Medical Workers at COVID-19 Vaccination Sites: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: During the pandemic period of the COVID-19, temporary centralized vaccination sites were set up in each administrative district in Nanjing to efficiently manage the vaccination campaign. Medical workers at COVID-19 vaccination sites are exposed to burnout syndrome due to repetitive and overload vaccination work. The purpose of our study was to investigate the prevalence of burnout among these medical workers and to explore its associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at COVID-19 vaccination sites in May 2021 in Nanjing, China. The online questionnaire included demographic, job and COVID-19-related characteristics, Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Social Support Rating Scale. The hierarchical multiple regression model was used to identify the risk factors for job burnout of medical workers. Results: Of the 425 respondents, 189 had job burnout. The overall prevalence of burnout symptoms among medical workers at COVID-19 vaccination sites was 44.5% with a breakdown in severity as follows: 122 (28.7%) mild, 53 (12.5%) moderate, and 14 (3.3%) severe cases. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis indicated that education level, job titles, self-reported increased work intensity, self-assessment risk of contracting COVID-19 during work, and social support were significantly related to job burnout (p < 0.05), which explained 28.2% of the variance of job burnout score (F = 14.879, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The burnout symptoms were relatively common among medical workers at COVID-19 vaccination sites. More attention should be paid to medical workers with master degree or higher, junior job titles, increased work intensity, high risk of contracting COVID-19 during work, and low level of social support. Interventions that aim to reduce workload and increase social support can be effective approaches to prevent job burnout among medical workers during controlled COVID-19 period.

A network analysis of self-compassion and burnout in a sample of nurses

BACKGROUND

In the nursing profession, the concept of self-compassion has been associated with burnout. However, to date, the fine-grained relationships between different dimensions of self-compassion and symptoms of burnout have not been investigated. Network analysis provides a new avenue for exploring the fine-grained correlation paths of two related variables.

AIM

To analyse the nuanced associations between self-compassion and burnout using network analysis in a large cohort of Chinese nurses.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional multi-centre survey design study.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from 30 hospitals in China between April and May 2022. These nurses completed the Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (C-MBI-GS) and Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF). Network analysis was performed to illustrate the complex nuanced relationships between self-compassion and burnout.

RESULTS

A total of 1467 nurses (age 32.2 [18-56] years; 89.9% were female) participated in the study. Nodes Mindfulness and Isolation had the highest centralities measured by strength. Nodes Mindfulness, reduced personal accomplishment and Isolation were the most negative and positive influential nodes that bridged self-compassion and burnout. There were no differences in terms of gender, age, professional title and job tenure in the structure or connectivity of the self-compassion and burnout network.

CONCLUSION

Different components of self-compassion were specifically associated with different dimensions of burnout in registered nurses. Among these, Mindfulness, Isolation and Reduced personal accomplishment were the three most important components of self-compassion for burnout symptoms.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution.

IMPACT

Understanding the intricate connections between self-compassion and burnout will allow hospital administrators to prioritize the elements of Mindfulness and Isolation within self-compassion and the dimension of Reduced personal accomplishment within burnout when designing preventative measures and interventions aimed at reducing nurse burnout.

An Initial Scoping Review of Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome (DYMERS) Regarding Burnout in Healthcare Professionals During COVID-19

Background/Objectives: Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome (DYMERS) characterizes the poor regulation of biological (sleep/waking), social, and behavioral rhythms that affected the level of burnout in healthcare professionals during the pandemic in particular. The aim is to provide an initial scoping review of publications on this topic. Methods: The keywords "Stress Rhythms Dysregulation Bipolar Disorder Burnout DYMERS Healthcare professionals COVID-19" were searched on 9 December 2024 following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, using five primary databases (OVID, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science), one register (Cochrane COVID-19 register), and one supplementary database (Google Scholar). Included were peer-reviewed publications. Excluded were duplicates, reports lacking either a research study or any keywords, or including irrelevant information regarding them. Results: The returns for all the databases were (n = 0) except for ProQuest (n = 4) and Google Scholar (n = 14). Of these, three ProQuest returns were duplicates of the Google Scholar search. The remaining report contained irrelevant information on healthcare professionals. The Google Scholar search results produced two relevant reports-neither duplicated with ProQuest. The excluded contained a duplicate in the search itself, three that did not mention healthcare professionals, two that contained irrelevant information concerning them, four returns that were not a research study, and three that were not peer-reviewed. Conclusions: The two studies published on this topic are by various members of the same investigating institution. DYMERS has provided valuable insights regarding burnout in healthcare professionals. The suggestion is for further DYMERS research by this team and others, anticipating future pandemics.

The Global Impact of COVID-19: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Effects on Various Aspects of Life

In this study COVID-19 effects on different aspects of life that how this virus created a mess in every discipline of life starting from a small tuck shop of a street to a huge business with a chain between different countries; and some preventive measures are also suggested. Not only mental healthiness as well as physical health of people was also disturbed to a large extent. People being quarantined did not do any practice and had nothing to do, their boredom made them mentally and physically inactive. For minimization the effect of this pandemic on mental healthiness, interventions were practiced and psychological support systems were developed to help mentally effected people; on the other hand, to improve physical health the hospital workers worked day and night in return they got affected too either mentally or physically. Many of the youngsters started alcohol consumption during quarantine. Because of the closure of educational institutes, the students were sent back to their homes where there was no proper guidance for them and they lost their interests in studies; and in a sense educational impact of COVID-19 was also unbearable. Agricultural system was affected badly and the whole world passed through a huge economic loss. The flights and traffic were blocked throughout the world, and it is the only positive impact that COVID-19 led to the environment by improving water and air quality as there was a remarkable reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases.

Factors associated with burnout among hospital-based healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional CRACoV-HHS study

AIMS

To assess the prevalence of burnout and associated factors among healthcare workers (HCWs) working in a hospital admitting patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND

Burnout among HCWs is related to age, gender and occupation. However, little is known about organisational factors associated with burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study of 1412 hospital HCWs (748 nurses) was carried out via online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic between 4 and 19 January 2021.

METHODS

The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, the Checklist Individual Strength questionnaire, the interRAI items covering mental health, the WHO questionnaire items assessing HCWs' preparedness and exposure to SARS-CoV-2 were used. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to clarify factors associated with emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP) and personal accomplishment (PA). This study adheres to the STROBE guidelines.

RESULTS

Burnout prevalence varied from 10.0% to 22.0%. Most respondents (83.6%) reported low PA, 22.9% high EE and 18.7% high DP. Nurses and physicians had the highest levels of EE and DP. Staff exposed or uncertain if exposed to contaminated patients' body fluids and materials had higher levels of burnout. Preparedness (training) (b = 1.15; 95%CI 0.26 to 2.05) and adherence to infection prevention and control procedures (b = 1.57; 95%CI 0.67 to 2.47) were associated with higher PA, and accessibility of personal protective equipment (PPE) (b = -1.37; 95%CI -2.17 to -0.47) was related to lower EE. HCWs working in wards for patients with COVID-19 reported lower EE (b = -1.39; 95%CI -2.45 to -0.32). HCWs who contracted COVID-19 reported lower DP (b = -0.71, 95%CI -1.30 to -0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

Organisational factors such as better access to PPE, training, and adherence to infection prevention and control procedures were associated with a lower level of burnout.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Healthcare managers should promote strategies to reduce burnout among HCWs with regard to preparedness of all staff.

Factors contributing to the burnout of the faculties of a medical university in Iran: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Faculty members confront a variety of obstacles over time, the most recent of which is the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which may increase their vulnerability to burnout (BO). This study aims to examine BO in medical school faculties, as well as the factors that lead to BO and well-being in them.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 using online questionnaires completed by 222 faculty members of a medical university in Iran. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and the Well-being index (WBI) were used. Additionally, we gathered individual-level profiles (demographic, well-being) and occupational information (job profile, attitude toward work).

RESULTS

A total of 60 (27%) faculties reported having high BO, and 112 (50.5%) reported having low well-being. Being female (odds ratio, OR = 2.69), having time to spend with the family (OR = .26), the intent of turnover (OR = 8.65), job recommendation to the offspring (OR = .26), and experiencing violence last year (OR = 2.97) were some of the individual-level factors and job-related attitudes associated with a higher BO. In the neural network for BO, the most important variables were the intention of turnover, followed by adequate family time.

CONCLUSION

One third of the responding faculty reported severe BO, and BO was found to be significantly associated with lower well-being. The increased levels of BO and a decreased experience of well-being were both associated with a higher intention of turnover. According to the study, it is important to pay attention to both clinical and nonclinical field faculty members, female faculty members, those who have a high workload, and members who have experienced violence in the workplace. By acknowledging the unique challenges and experiences faced by these individuals, tailored measures can be developed to address their specific concerns and foster a supportive and inclusive environment.

Need for Information and Communication Technology during COVID-19: An Exploratory Study Using Nurses' Activity Diaries

OBJECTIVES

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to high levels of burnout among nurses. Information and communication technology (ICT) may offer a solution to prevent a potential collapse in healthcare. The aim of this study was to identify areas where ICT could provide support, by analyzing the work of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This retrospective exploratory descriptive study analyzed qualitative data from the activity diaries of seven nurses working in COVID-19 wards or intensive care units.

RESULTS

The nursing work process during COVID-19 involved "added tasks," "changed tasks," and "reduced tasks" compared to the pre-COVID-19 situation. Nurses reported difficulties in communicating with other healthcare professionals both inside and outside the isolation room, as well as with patients. The use of various ICT solutions, such as real-time video-conferencing systems or mobile robots, could enhance patient monitoring in the isolation room and improve the quality and efficiency of communication.

CONCLUSIONS

The changes in work tasks not only led to nurse exhaustion but also negatively impacted the quality of care. ICT solutions should be explored to minimize the time spent in the isolation room, thereby reducing the risk of infection spread. This could also enhance communication among patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Health Workers' Burnout and COVID-19 Pandemic: 1-Year after-Results from a Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey

(1) Background: This study evaluates, one year later, the levels of burnout, anxious-depressive, and post-traumatic symptoms and the general health status in the Health Workers (HWs) involved in the SARS-COVID-19 pandemic in the Novara area. (2) Methods: The survey was sent via a link in an email to doctors, nurses, and other operators during the period between June and August 2021. The survey collected socio-demographic data and contained some self-administered questionnaires. (3) Results: A total of 688 HWs completed the survey, 53% were aged 30-49 years, 68% were female, 76% were cohabiting, 55% had children, 86% reported family habit changes, and 20% had non-COVID related health problems. Only a few of the respondents had a follow-up by a specialist (12%), of which there were even less in recent times (6%). It was observed that the respondents had undergone burnout; a poor state of general mental health (62%); depressive symptoms (70%); post-traumatic symptoms (29%); and less frequently, anxious symptoms (16%). The data of this study are in line with other studies in the literature. (4) Conclusions: The data indicate that psychological-based suffering was no longer markedly concentrated in some specific bands of HWs. In conclusion, it would be essential to enhance HW support strategies.

Spanish psychometric properties of the moral distress scale-revised: a study in healthcare professionals treating COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND

Moral distress appears when a healthcare professional is not able to carry out actions in accordance with their professional ethical standards. The Moral Distress Scale-Revised is the most widely used to assess levels of moral distress, but it is not validated in Spanish. The aim of the study is to validate the Spanish version of the Moral Distress Scale - utilised within a sample of Spanish healthcare professionals treating COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

The original (english) and the portuguese and french versions of the scale were translated into spanish by native or bilingual researchers and reviewed by an academic expert in ethics and moral philosophy as well as by a clinical expert.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out using a self-reporting online survey. The data was collected between June- November 2020. A total of 661 professionals responded to the survey (N = 2873).

PARTICIPANTS

healthcare professionals with more than two weeks of experience treating COVID-19 patients at the end of their life and working in the public sector of the Balearic Islands Health Service (Spain). Analyses included descriptive statistics, competitive confirmatory factor analysis, evidence on criterion-related validity and estimates of reliability. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at the University of Balearic Islands.

RESULTS

An unidimensional model in which a general factor of moral distress explained by 11 items of the Spanish version of the MDS-R scale was an adequate representation of the data: χ²(44) = 113.492 (p 0.001); Comparative Fit Index = 0.965; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.079[0.062,0.097]; and Standarized Root Mean-Square = 0.037. Evidence of reliability was excellent: Cronbach's alpha = 0.886 and McDonald's omega = 0.910. Moral distress was related to discipline, with nurses having statistically significant higher levels than physicians. Additionally, moral distress successfully predicted professional quality of life, with higher levels of moral distress being related to poorer quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The Spanish version of Moral Distress Scale-Revised can be used as a reliable and valid measurement tool for the evaluation of moral distress experienced by health professionals. This tool will be highly useful for managers and applicable to a variety of healthcare professionals and settings.

JD-R model on job insecurity and the moderating effect of COVID-19 perceived susceptibility

The present research applied a triangulation approach in order to examine the mediating effect of job insecurity and the moderating effect of perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 (PSC) in the Job demands and resources model (JD-R model). Questionnaire and follow-up interview data were collected at two points in time from 292 hotel front-line employees and 15 hotel senior and department managers in Phuket, Thailand. Quantitative results indicated that job insecurity fully mediated the relationship between job demands and job burnout, as well as the relationship between job demands and work engagement. In addition, PSC partially moderated the research model. More specifically, the impact of job insecurity on work engagement is reduced when PSC is low and increased when PSC is high; the impact of job insecurity on job burnout is reduced when PSC is high and increased when PSC is low. Qualitative results further verified the findings of the quantitative study.

Coping with burnout and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on workers' mental health: A systematic review

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the psychological wellbeing of workers worldwide. Certain coping styles may increase burnout risk. To investigate the relationship between burnout and coping styles, a systematic review was performed.

Methods

Following the PRISMA statements, three databases were screened up until October 2022, including research articles written in English language and investigating the relationship between burnout and coping strategies in workers. The quality of articles was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

The initial search resulted in 3,413 records, 15 of which were included in this review. Most studies were performed on healthcare workers (n = 13, 86.6%) and included a majority of female workers (n = 13, 86.7%). The most used burnout assessment questionnaire was the Maslach Burnout Inventory (n = 8, 53.3%), and the most used coping assessment tool was the Brief-COPE (n = 6, 40.0%). Task-related coping was a protective factor for burnout in all four studies investigating its correlation with burnout dimensions. Two of the four studies investigating emotion-oriented coping found that it was protective while the other two found that it was predictive of burnout. All five studies investigating avoidance-oriented coping and burnout dimensions found that this coping style was predictive of burnout.

Discussion

Task-oriented and adaptive coping were protective for burnout, avoidance-oriented, and maladaptive coping were predictive factors of burnout. Mixed results were highlighted concerning emotion-oriented coping, suggesting that different outcomes of this coping style may depend on gender, with women relying more on it than men. In conclusion, further research is needed to investigate the effect of coping styles in individuals, and how these correlates with their unique characteristics. Training workers about appropriate coping styles to adopt may be essential to enact prevention strategies to reduce burnout incidence in workers.

Prevalence of burnout among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated factors - a scoping review

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic exerted significant mental burden on healthcare workers (HCWs) operating in the frontline of the COVID-19 care as they experienced high levels of stress and burnout. The aim of this scoping review was to identify prevalence and factors associated with burnout among HCWs during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Studies were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: cross-sectional, longitudinal, case-control, or qualitative analyses, published in peer-reviewed journals, between January 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. Studies carried out on other occupations than healthcare workers or related to other pandemics than COVID-19 were excluded. Following the abstract screen, from 141 original papers identified, 69 articles were eventually selected. A large variation in the reported burnout prevalence among HCWs (4.3-90.4%) was observed. The main factors associated with increase/ decrease of burnout included: demographic characteristics (age, gender, education level, financial situation, family status, occupation), psychological condition (psychiatric diseases, stress, anxiety, depression, coping style), social factors (stigmatisation, family life), work organization (workload, working conditions, availability of staff and materials, support at work), and factors related with COVID-19 (fear of COVID-19, traumatic events, contact with patients with COVID-19, having been infected with COVID-19, infection of a colleague or a relative with COVID-19, higher number of deaths observed by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic). The findings should be useful for policy makers and healthcare managers in developing programs preventing burnout during the current and future pandemics. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(1):21-58.

Association between burnout and adherence with mask usage and additional COVID-19 prevention behaviours: findings from a large-scale, demographically representative survey of US adults

OBJECTIVES

Studies have found associations between occupational burnout symptoms and reduced engagement with healthy behaviours. We sought to characterise demographic, employment and sleep characteristics associated with occupational burnout symptoms, and to evaluate their relationships with adherence to COVID-19 prevention behaviours (mask usage, hand hygiene, avoiding gatherings, physical distancing, obtaining COVID-19 tests if potentially infected).

METHODS

During December 2020, surveys were administered cross-sectionally to 5208 US adults (response rate=65.8%). Quota sampling and survey weighting were employed to improve sample representativeness of sex, age and race and ethnicity. Among 3026 employed respondents, logistic regression models examined associations between burnout symptoms and demographic, employment and sleep characteristics. Similar models were conducted to estimate associations between burnout and non-adherence with COVID-19 prevention behaviours.

RESULTS

Women, younger adults, unpaid caregivers, those working more on-site versus remotely and those with insufficient or impaired sleep had higher odds of occupational burnout symptoms. Burnout symptoms were associated with less frequent mask usage (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.1), hand hygiene (aOR=2.1, 95% CI 1.7-2.7), physical distancing (aOR=1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6), avoiding gatherings (aOR=1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.7) and obtaining COVID-19 tests (aOR=1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Disparities in occupational burnout symptoms exist by gender, age, caregiving, employment and sleep health. Employees experiencing occupational burnout symptoms might exhibit reduced adherence with COVID-19 prevention behaviours. Employers can support employee health by addressing the psychological syndrome of occupational burnout.

Comparison of the burnout among medical residents before and during the pandemic

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to compare the level of burnout syndrome in medical residents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify potential risk factors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on medical residents from three different university hospitals in Turkey in March 2021, one year after the pandemic hit Turkey. Burnout is measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory which assesses three dimensions of it: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Collected data were combined and compared with data from a previous study which was held in the same hospitals in December 2019, three months before the pandemic.

RESULTS

412 medical residents from three universities participated. The mean age was 27.8 ± 2.4 and half of them were female. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, no significant differences in emotional exhaustion (pre:19.0 ± 7.6 post:18.8 ± 7.8), depersonalization (pre:7.3 ± 4.3 post:7.2 ± 4.4), and personal accomplishment (pre:20.8 ± 5.1 post:21.1 ± 5) scores were observed one year after pandemic. Adjusting for confounders, multiple linear regression models indicated that who are female, are in surgical specialty, have vulnerable cohabitant, and have more night shifts faces higher emotional exhaustion. Depersonalisation is higher among who spent more years in residency, have more night shifts, or COVID-19 outpatient duty. Females and those who have vulnerable cohabitant has lower levels of Personal Achievement.

CONCLUSION

This study does not support the hypothesis that pandemic increases the burnout levels. Yet it identifies a couple of pandemic related factors that are associated with burnout and confirming the association of several previously known factors.

Feeling Informed and Safe Are Important Factors in the Psychosomatic Health of Frontline Workers in the Health Sector during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Austria

The global spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created new challenges for the entire healthcare system, and those who work directly with the patients or even on the front lines with COVID-19 patients have been particularly stressed. Only a few studies are currently available investigating psychosomatic symptoms among healthcare workers, particularly frontline workers, over the entire pandemic period (2020-2022). There is also a lack of knowledge about strategies to prevent stress during and after a health crisis.

METHODS

An online survey was conducted at three times (April 2020, winter 2020/2021, and winter 2021/2022) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria. The sample included 160 healthcare workers at screening time 1, 1.361 healthcare workers at screening time 2, and 1.134 healthcare workers at screening time 3. The survey included COVID-19 work-related fears, satisfaction with the frontline work, and standardized inventories to assess psychosomatic symptoms, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-D).

RESULTS

Psychosomatic symptoms were more common among women compared to men, and among frontline workers compared to non-frontline workers, especially during the course of the pandemic at t2 and t3. Self-reported scores of COVID-19 work-related fears were significantly associated with psychosomatic symptoms. Furthermore, in frontline workers, there was a significant association between the feeling of being safe and well-informed and psychosomatic symptoms.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 work-related fears and psychosomatic symptoms have been prevalent among healthcare workers throughout the pandemic. Feeling safe and informed appears to be essential to prevent psychosomatic symptoms, leading to a recommendation for employers in the healthcare sector to focus on communication and information. As frontline workers are especially prone to psychosomatic symptoms, more stress prevention programs for them will be essential to maintain productivity and reduce sick days and fluctuations in the healthcare system.

Job Burnout and Reduced Personal Accomplishment Among Health Sector Employees During COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Job burnout is a prolonged response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate job burnout and identify its effective predictors among health sector employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study encompassed 1898 employees of the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in the summer of 2020. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with job burnout. The required data were collected electronically using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and analyzed with SPSS software version 26 and R4.0.2 software. Results: Of 1898 participants, 74.3% were female. Composite job burnout (CJB), emotional exhaustion (EE), and depersonalization (DP) were the most common at low levels, whereas reduced personal accomplishment (RPA) was the most frequent at moderate levels. In this regard, factors such as female gender, age groups of 40 - 49 and ≥ 50 years, and exposure to COVID-19 were the main independent risk factors for job burnout. Conclusions: Reduced personal accomplishment was moderate despite relatively low levels of job burnout, EE, and DP. Accordingly, effective interventions are suggested to improve different aspects of the work-life with an emphasis on critical situations. Moreover, regarding the significant relationship between job burnout with gender, age, and exposure to COVID-19, it is recommended to increase the employees’ knowledge about job burnout.

The unintended detrimental effects of pursuing a professional vocation: The case of veterinarians

Pursuing one's life calling can be personally fulfilling and professionally rewarding, but it also requires sacrifice. We provide evidence of a strong vocational drive using veterinary students as a case study and find that they willingly contribute higher monetary donations for helping animals relative to students in other fields. We also find a significant reduction in the cognitive performance of veterinarian students when exposed to an animal-in-need manipulation. The performance of non-veterinary students in the cognitive task is unaffected by the manipulation. Our results highlight the need for programs to address the economic, financial, and mental health well-being of students and professionals to promote sustainable vocational career commitment. "You owe it to all of us to get on with what you're good at." W.H. Auden.

Examining the burnout levels of healthcare employees and related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The high prevalence, severe contagious nature, and associated morbidity and mortality rates of COVID-19 increased the demand for healthcare and social care services worldwide. No doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic affected frontline healthcare employees the most.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to examine the burnout levels of healthcare employees and related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey.

METHODS

The descriptive, cross-sectional study was completed with 478 healthcare professionals. The study's sampling included all healthcare professionals who were actively working in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic and agreed to participate in the study. The study data were collected through the internet (online) between 10.05.2021 and 10.08.2021. The Healthcare Staff Information Form and Maslach Burnout Inventory were used to collect the study data.

RESULTS

Emotional burnout (p < 0.001) and desensitization (p = 0.007) scores were higher in those who lived separately from people they normally lived with. Emotional burnout and desensitization scores of the nurses were significantly higher than those of doctors and other healthcare professionals (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It was determined that healthcare professionals in Turkey experienced moderate levels of burnout in terms of emotional burnout and desensitization, and high levels of burnout in terms of personal achievement. It is recommended to improve working conditions, monitor employees in high-risk units more closely, and provide psychological support to prevent or reduce the burnout of healthcare employees during the pandemic period.

Forgotten Heroes: Experiences of Health Care Support Workers Regarding Burnout and Resilience During Pandemic, A Qualitative Approach

OBJECTIVES

Health care support workers have been facing several challenges due to the stressful environment in COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the gap in literature, it is mandatory to explore their experiences to identify burnout, predisposing factors, and possible interventions.

METHODS

We conducted qualitative research with a hermeneutic phenomenological method. Participants belonged to cleaning services, security, and hospital administration areas at a hospital in Bogotá. We used semistructured individual interviews. The analysis approaches were deductive and inductive.

RESULTS

As main concepts, we found the following: fear of infection and coping mechanisms, dealing with COVID-19 and being part of the health care support system, overwhelming workload and motivation to keep going and socioeconomic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

We found burnout predisposing factors; however, the participants did not express symptoms of burnout syndrome. We believe protective factors such as resilience are influential concerning this outcome.

High prevalence of burnout syndrome among medical and nonmedical residents during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals have been working under extreme conditions, increasing the risk of physical and mental illness. We evaluated the prevalence of burnout and its associated factors among postgraduate student residents in health professions during the global health crisis.

METHODS

Healthcare residents were recruited from all across Brazil between July and September 2020 through digital forms containing instruments for assessing burnout (Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI)), resilience (brief resilient coping scale (BRCS)) and anxiety, stress and depression (depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)). Additionally, the relationships between burnout and chronic diseases, autonomy and educational adequacy in the residency programme, personal protective equipment (PPE), workload and care for patients with COVID-19 were evaluated. The chi-square test, Student's t test, Pearson's correlation test and logistic regression were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 1,313 participants were included: mean (standard deviation) age, 27.8 (4.4) years; female gender, 78.1%; white race, 59.3%; and physicians, 51.3%. The overall prevalence of burnout was 33.4%. The odds (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) of burnout were higher in the presence of pre-existing diseases (1.76 [1.26-2.47]) and weekly work > 60 h (1.36 [1.03-1.79]) and were lower in the presence of high resilience (0.84 [0.81-0.88]), autonomy (0.87 [0.81-0.93]), and educational structure (0.77 [0.73-0.82]), adequate availability of PPE (0.72 [0.63-0.83]) and non-white race (0.63 [0.47-0.83]). Burnout was correlated with anxiety (r = 0.47; p < 0.05), stress (r: 0.58; p < 0.05) and depression (r: 0.65; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a high prevalence of burnout among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individual characteristics and conditions related to the work environment were associated with a higher or lower occurrence of the syndrome.

Evaluation of burnout among stay-behind healthcare workers during the current Omicron wave of COVID-19 in Taizhou, China

BACKGROUND

Since February 2022, a new Omicron wave of COVID-19 emerged in Shanghai, China. Many healthcare workers came to Shanghai from hospitals of other parts of China as aid workers. Hospitals in areas with mild COVID-19 outbreaks will inevitably be understaffed, it is likely to cause job burnout of stay-behind healthcare workers. Stay-behind healthcare workers were those who had not been dispatched to support COVID-19 prevention and control in other regions. This study was designed to evaluate the burnout among stay-behind healthcare workers in the current COVID-19 Omicron wave in Taizhou, China.

METHODS

A population-based, anonymous, cross-sectional online survey was designed in the Wen-Juan Xing platform. The survey was sent to all stay-behind healthcare workers of the hospital (n = 1739) from April 29 to May 3, 2022. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) was used for the burnout survey. For univariate analysis, the χ2 test and one way ANOVA were used to assess differences in categorical variables and continuous variables, respectively. The effect of independent associated risk factors on each type of burnout was examined using the multinomial logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 434 participants completed the survey invitation effectively. A total of 71.2% of stay-behind healthcare workers experienced burnout during COVID-19, including 54.8% experiencing mild to moderate burnout and 16.4% experiencing severe burnout. Night shift, depression, social support, positive coping and number of children appeared to be significantly related to mild to moderate burnout. Night shift, depression, social support, positive coping, number of children, professional title, and anxiety appeared to be significantly related to severe burnout.

CONCLUSION

Job burnout among stay-behind healthcare workers was an important problem during the current Omicron wave of COVID-19. Night shift, depression, social support, positive coping, and number of children were associated with mild to moderate and severe burnout. Anxiety and professional title were associated with severe burnout.

Assessment of Professional Quality of Life Among Critical Care Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Aim

Nurses play a major role in critical care units (CCUs), providing care to critically ill patients while also facing numerous health challenges that impair their quality of life. This was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the professional quality of life (ProQOL) and establish the prevalence of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue among CCU nurses in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of CCU nurses was conducted using the ProQOL Scale, consisting of three subscales: 1) compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue, 2) burnout, and 3) secondary traumatic stress. The data were analyzed to obtain descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

A total of 238 ICU nurses, who were predominantly female (83%) and had a bachelor’s degree (80%), participated in this study. The ProQOL subscales exhibited varied mean scores across demographic variables. Statistically significant differences were observed in the compassion satisfaction (p=0.014) of CCU nurses working in public hospitals, and in the secondary traumatic stress (p=0.006) among nurses working in night shifts. The percentage distribution of CCU nurses’ individual levels for all the ProQOL subscales were within the average to high levels.

Conclusion

The ProQOL was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, varied ProQOL mean scores across demographic characteristics suggest that interpersonal differences should be considered when developing improvement initiatives.

Prevalence of burnout among health care workers in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

AIM

To investigate the prevalence of burnout syndrome among health care workers in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in May and June 2021 using an online survey based on Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. The questionnaire underwent forward and backward translation, preliminary pilot testing, and was assessed for reliability and validity. Personal burnout, work-related burnout, and patient-related burnout were assessed. The survey was sent to the members of the Union of Physicians and Dentists in FBIH, who were asked to forward the link to their medical technicians and nurses.

RESULTS

A total of 77% of participants experienced some form of burnout. As many as 32% experienced all three forms of burnout. Those actively involved in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic more often experienced burnout. In personal and work-related burnout domains, higher level of burnout was reported among female respondents. Higher work-related and patient-related burnout was reported by physicians compared with medical technicians/nurses. Higher level of patient-related burnout was reported in health care workers aged 30-39 and 50-59 years, among respondents working in primary care, and among physicians.

CONCLUSION

The majority of health care workers showed moderate or high levels of personal and work-related burnout, with a lower level of patient-related burnout. There is a need for further research into the causes of burnout, as well as for the implementation of organizational interventions aimed to minimize workplace burnout.

Association between physiotherapist burnout and working environment during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Japan: A multicenter observational study

Burnout among physiotherapists has been reported worldwide during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, no information was found on the prevalence of burnout among physiotherapists in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physiotherapists directly providing physiotherapy to patients with COVID-19 in the red zone of 487 medical facilities were evaluated for the prevalence of burnout using the Japanese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS). The association between the presence or absence of burnout and the working environment was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Among the 566 physiotherapists analyzed, 99 (17.5%) satisfied the MBI-GS criteria for burnout. Multivariate analysis showed that burnout was associated with the year of physiotherapy experiences [odds ratio (OR) 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93–0.99], feeling slight burden with infection control (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.32–0.87), not feeling too burdened with infection control (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.06–0.83), establishment of staffing standards for physiotherapy according to the number of beds (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.09–2.96), and relaxation time (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.30–0.82). Moreover, the OR increased as the self-improvement time decreased (OR 38.3, 95% CI 6.64–731). In Japan, the prevalence of burnout among physiotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic was an intermediate value between the prevalence of burnout among physicians and nurses reported in previous studies. This study found the need to establish appropriate staffing standards for physiotherapy and support systems including secure self-improvement time and appropriate training according to physiotherapy experiences and each medical facility.

The impact of mindfulness practice on physician burnout: A scoping review

Background

Physician burnout is a growing phenomenon in current health systems worldwide. With the emergence of COVID-19, burnout in healthcare is progressively becoming a serious concern. Increasing emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment threaten the effective delivery of healthcare. Compassion fatigue and moral injury are a considerable risk to the doctor-patient relationship. These issues can potentially be mitigated by mindfulness practice, which has shown promising results in reducing burnout, restoring compassion, and preventing moral injury in physicians.

Methodology

A scoping review was conducted to investigate the effects of mindfulness practice on physician burnout. High-ranking journals were targeted to analyze high-quality studies and synthesize common themes in the literature. Studies conducted on current practicing physicians were included. Mindfulness practice of varying forms was the main intervention studied. Gray literature and studies conducted only on allied health personnel were excluded from this review.

Results

31 studies were included in this scoping review. Mindfulness practice decreased emotional exhaustion and depersonalization while improving mood, responses to stress, and vigor. Self-awareness, compassion, and empathy were also increased in study participants. From this review, four themes emerged: innovations in mindfulness practice, mindfulness and positive psychology, the impact of mindfulness on work and patient care, and barriers and facilitators to physician mindfulness practice.

Conclusion

Mindfulness was widely reported to benefit mental health and well-being, but the studies reviewed seemed to adopt a mono focus and omitted key considerations to healthcare leadership, systems-level culture, and practices. Mindfulness practice is a quintessential component of positive psychology and is inherently linked to effective leadership. A mindful and compassionate physician leader will play a crucial role in addressing current practice gaps, prioritizing staff mental health, and providing a supportive platform for innovation.

Monkeypox Knowledge and Confidence in Diagnosis and Management with Evaluation of Emerging Virus Infection Conspiracies among Health Professionals in Kuwait

As the 2022 human monkeypox (HMPX) multi-country outbreak is spreading, the response of healthcare workers (HCWs) is central to mitigation efforts. The current study aimed to evaluate HMPX knowledge and confidence in diagnosis and management among HCWs in Kuwait. We used a self-administered questionnaire distributed in July-August 2022 through a snowball sampling approach. The survey items evaluated HMPX knowledge, confidence in diagnosis and management of the disease, and the belief in conspiracies regarding emerging virus infections (EVIs). The sample size was 896 HCWs: nurses (n = 485, 54.1%), pharmacists (n = 154, 17.2%), physicians (n = 108, 12.1%), medical technicians/allied health professionals (MT/AHP, n = 96, 10.7%), and dentists (n = 53, 5.9%). An overall low level of HMPX knowledge was noticed for items assessing virus transmission and non-cutaneous symptoms of the disease, with higher knowledge among physicians. Approximately one-fifth of the study sample agreed with the false notion that HMPX is exclusive to male homosexuals (n = 183, 20.4%), which was associated with lower knowledge with higher frequency among MT/AHP compared to nurses, physicians, and pharmacists. Confidence levels were low: confidence in diagnosis based on diagnostic tests (n = 449, 50.1%), confidence in the ability to manage the HMPX (n = 426, 47.5%), and confidence in the ability to diagnose HMPX clinically (n = 289, 32.3%). Higher confidence levels were found among nurses and participants with postgraduate degrees. Higher embrace of conspiracy beliefs regarding EVIs was noticed among participants with lower knowledge, and among those who agreed or were neutral/had no opinion regarding the false idea of HMPX exclusive occurrence among male homosexuals, while lower levels of belief in conspiracies were noticed among physicians, dentists, and pharmacists compared to MT/AHP. Variable levels of HMPX knowledge were observed in this study per item, with low level of knowledge regarding virus transmission. Differences in knowledge and confidence levels in diagnosis and management of HMPX should be considered in education and training aiming to prepare for outbreak response. The relatively high prevalence of embracing conspiratorial beliefs regarding EVIs is worrisome and needs proper interventions. The attitude towards male homosexuals' role in monkeypox spread should be evaluated in future studies considering the possibility of stigma and discrimination in this most-at-risk group.

The relations between mental well-being and burnout in medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: A network analysis

Background

Although poor mental well-being (MW) has been documented among individuals experiencing burnout during the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, little is known about the complex interrelationship between different components of MW and burnout. This study investigates this relationship among medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic through network analysis.

Methods

A total of 420 medical staff were recruited for this study. Components of MW were measured by the 14-item Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), and components of burnout were measured by a 15-item Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) Questionnaire. Network structure was constructed via network analysis. Bridge variables were identified via the bridge centrality index.

Results

The edges across two communities (i.e., MW community and burnout community) are almost negative, such as edge MW2 ("Useful") - B14 ("Worthwhile") and edge MW1 ("Optimistic about future") - B13 ("Happy"). The edges within each community are nearly positive. In the MW community, components MW1 ("Optimistic about future") and MW6 ("Dealing with problems") have the lowest bridge centrality. And in the community of burnout, components B13 ("Happy") and B14 ("Worthwhile") have the lowest bridge expected influence.

Conclusion

We present the first study to apply the network approach to model the potential pathways between distinct components of MW and burnout. Our findings suggest that promoting optimistic attitudes and problem-solving skills may help reduce burnout among medical staff during the pandemic.

Mulheres Médicas: Burnout durante a Pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil

Fundamento

A COVID-19 adicionou um fardo enorme sobre os médicos ao redor do mundo, especialmente as mulheres médicas, que são afetadas pelo aumento da carga de trabalho e pela perda da qualidade de vida.

Objetivo

Avaliar os efeitos da pandemia de COVID-19 na qualidade de vida, burnout e espiritualidade de médicas brasileiras que atendem pacientes com COVID-19 direta ou indiretamente.

Método

Estudo prospectivo, observacional realizado de 28 de julho a 27 de setembro de 2020, no Brasil, com mulheres médicas de 47 especialidades, a mais frequente sendo a cardiologia (22,8%), sem restrição de idade. Elas responderam voluntariamente um questionário online com questões sobre características demográficas e socioeconômicas, qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-brief) e espiritualidade (WHOQOL-SRPB) e enunciados do Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. A análise estatística utilizou o software R, regressão beta, árvores de classificação e matriz de correlação policórica, com nível de significância de 5%.

Resultados

Das 769 respondentes, 61,6% relataram sinais de burnout. Cerca de 64% relataram perda salarial de até 50% durante a pandemia. Algumas relataram falta de energia para as tarefas diárias, sentimentos negativos frequentes, insatisfação com a capacidade para o trabalho, e que cuidar de outras pessoas não agregava sentido às suas vidas. Os sentimentos negativos correlacionaram-se negativamente com a satisfação com a vida sexual, a satisfação com as relações pessoais e a energia para as tarefas diárias. A incapacidade de permanecer otimista em tempos de incerteza correlacionou-se positivamente com a sensação de insegurança no dia a dia e com o não reconhecimento de que cuidar de outras pessoas trouxesse sentido à vida.

Conclusão

O presente estudo mostrou uma alta frequência de burnout entre as médicas brasileiras que responderam ao questionário durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Apesar disso, apresentavam uma qualidade de vida relativamente boa e acreditavam que a espiritualidade trazia-lhes conforto e segurança nos momentos difíceis.

Prevalence of psychological distress on public health officials amid COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVES

While the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to increased burnout among frontline healthcare workers (HCWs), little research has been done regarding the potential psychological burden among public health officials who have worked tirelessly to tackle the pandemic from an administrative perspective. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout, depression, and job-related stress in Japanese public health officers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

We conducted an anonymous, self-administered web-based cross-sectional survey including basic demographics, work-related questions, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-3, and Brief Job Stress Questionnaire. 100 public health officers working in the public health centers (PHCs) in Okayama, Japan, answered the survey in December 2021 when the 5th surge in the number of COVID-19 was over.

RESULTS

The prevalence of burnout, depression, and job-related stress was 27%, 43%, and 62%, respectively. The multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that females, public health nurses, and those who suffered from a lack of support from their workplaces were significantly associated with psychological distress.

CONCLUSIONS

While we tend to focus on mitigation plans to help alleviate burnout of frontline HCWs, more focus is needed to help public health officers, and public health nurses, in particular, to alleviate their psychological distress and job-related stress to prevent further staff shortages and secure sustainable health systems.

Relationship Between Negative Emotions and Job Burnout in Medical Staff During the Prevention and Control of the COVID-19 Epidemic: The Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience

We herein investigated the relationship between psychological status and the various emotions of medical staff during the prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. In this study, the convenience sampling method was used to select medical staff members as participants, and a cross-sectional study design was implemented. The instruments included the Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire (BCSQ-36), the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), the self-rated 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR16), and the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). In total, 876 medical staff members were selected in this study. The CD-RISC-10 was negatively correlated with all other scales (P < 0.01). The hierarchical regression coefficients of the SAS and QIDS-SR16 against the BCSQ-36 mediated by the CD-RISC-10 were P < 0.01, and the significance of the F values in all hierarchical regression equations was P < 0.01 (Sobel test, P < 0.01). Medical staff burnout during the COVID-19 epidemic was affected by anxiety and depression, and psychological resilience had a mediating role. Attending to changes in the negative emotions of medical staff and improving their psychological resilience are beneficial to alleviate job burnout.

Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychiatric trainees and what can help

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased rates of psychological distress and burnout in healthcare staff. How can we understand our experiences of the pandemic? We reflect on the experiences of psychiatry trainees in two north London mental health trusts. From a psychoanalytic understanding, states of extreme anxiety can lead to a manic defence and functioning in the paranoid-schizoid position. This position is derived from object relations theory and is characterised by binary thinking, splitting, projection, defensiveness and 'knee-jerk' decision-making. This can affect our perceptions, responses to others, relationships and ability to function and, therefore, our clinical practice and well-being. We consider the importance of recognising these processes and of organisational containment and having space to reflect. This supports functioning in the depressive position, a state of mind where we can tolerate anxiety, address difficult realities and develop new ideas. We hope these understandings are helpful to our colleagues in all professions.

Evaluating the impact of coronavirus disease on burnout among healthcare workers using maslach burnout inventory tool: A systematic review

Background

Burnout has been prevalent among healthcare workers (HCWs). However, the effect of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic on this phenomenon in HCWs is unclear.

Objective

This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on burnout of HCWs using Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).

Methods

A systematic search was performed on PubMed database for articles published between 1 December 2019 and 30 June 2021. Search strategy combined terms for HCWs, COVID-19, burnout, and MBI. The main outcome of interest was burnout, including both mean prevalence and MBI scores for high emotional exhaustion (EE), high depersonalisation (DP) and low personal accomplishment (PA).

Results

Four cohort studies, 90 cross-sectional studies and one randomised-controlled trial were included for review. Only one cohort study compared burnout data among HCWs before and during COVID-19. It reported a statistically significant increase in mean EE and PA scores from 21.9 to 24.8 ( p = .001), and 42.7 to 48.7 ( p = .001), respectively. The remaining studies only evaluated burnout data during COVID-19 but were missing burnout data prior to the pandemic for comparison. Across these studies, the overall mean prevalence of burnout among HCWs was 39.95%, with mean MBI EE scores of 22.07, DP scores of 7.83, and PA scores of 32.53. Burnout outcomes were generally comparable across specific healthcare professions such as doctors and nurses.

Conclusion

Whilst quality research elucidating the effect of pandemic on burnout is lacking, current burnout prevalence among HCWs during COVID-19 is notable.

Acute stress disorder and job burnout in primary and secondary school teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic: The moderating effect of sense of control

The study aim was to examine the relationship between acute stress disorder and job burnout among primary and secondary school teachers, and to explore the moderating effect of sense of control on this relationship. A total of 751 teachers completed self-report questionnaires during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that acute stress disorder, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization were significantly lower in female teachers than in male teachers. Age was positively associated with acute stress disorder and negatively associated with inefficacy. Acute stress disorder was significantly and positively associated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization dimensions of job burnout. The relation between acute stress disorder and inefficacy was moderated by sense of control: acute stress disorder was positively associated with inefficacy when the sense of control was strong and was negatively associated with inefficacy when the sense of control was weak. These findings demonstrate that acute stress disorder is a risk factor for job burnout, and that sense of control is a protective factor for some aspects of job burnout. However, in individuals with a strong sense of control, acute stress disorder is associated with greater inefficacy, suggesting that sense of control can both positively and negatively affect burnout.

Professional Commitment, Satisfaction and Quality of Life of Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Konya, Turkey

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected nurses. The aim of this study was to assess professional commitment, satisfaction and quality of professional life of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Konya city, Turkey.

Methods and Material

Cross-sectional study was conducted through online survey in March 2021 in Konya province of Turkey. Current working nurses from 30 public health facilities participated in the study. Standard questionnaire was used, the questionnaire has four components, the first part of questionnaire for characteristics of the participants, the second part was Nursing Professional Commitment Scale, the third part was regarding Professional Satisfaction Scale and the fourth part was related to Employees' Quality of Life Scale.

Results

Total 407 nurses participated in the study, only 24% of the participants were male, 76% of them were married and 78% of them were undergraduate degree holders. About two-third (68%) of the nurses worked in COVID 19 treatment Unit serving/treatıng COVID 19 patients durıng this period. Some nurses (37%) have considered leaving their job during the Pandemic. Average scores of total nursing professional commitment 2.63±0.48. The nurses' working quality of life level was above average of total satisfaction. Comparing the age groups of the participants with the scale and sub-dimensions, a difference was found only with the Compassion fatigue sub-dimension (p<0.05). There is a positive relationship between total nursing professional commitment, compassion satisfaction and professional satisfaction.

Conclusion

COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected nurses' professional commitment, professional satisfaction and quality of their professional life.

Major Impact of Coping Styles on Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Healthcare Workers During the Outbreak of COVID-19

BACKGROUND

In the early days of COVID-19 outbreak, the normally orderly health system was severely challenged by large numbers of feverish patients and shortage of healthcare workers. The outbreak played a harmful role in the mental health of these healthcare workers.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to assess the prevalence of moderate or severe anxiety and depression symptoms (ADSs) of healthcare workers in different regions during COVID-19 disaster and identify the potential risk factors.

METHODS

We did a cross-sectional study on ADS of healthcare workers in epicenter-Hubei province and regions in lower epidemic-other provinces by questionnaire online. The data of ADS, the demographic characteristics, occupational exposure, physical condition, family situation, and coping styles were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 24.68% of the respondents had experienced moderate or severe ADS. Moderate or severe ADSs were in a higher prevalence in Hubei (32.39%) than other provinces (18.22%). Suspicious symptoms on their own and in family members were independent risk factors of moderate or severe ADS of all health workers. Working on the frontline was the independent risk factor for participants in Hubei province, whereas quarantine was the independent risk factor for those in other provinces. Moreover, among all participants, those with negative coping style were more than four times more likely to have moderate or severe ADS than those with positive coping style.

CONCLUSION

Moderate or severe ADSs were in a higher prevalence in healthcare workers of Hubei province during COVID-19 outbreak. The coping style may have major impact on ADS in such situation.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Compassion Satisfaction in Healthcare Personnel: A Systematic Review of the Literature Published during the First Year of the Pandemic

This literature review aimed to determine the level of burnout, compassion fatigue, and compassion satisfaction, as well as their associated risks and protective factors, in healthcare professionals during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We reviewed 2858 records obtained from the CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, and finally included 76 in this review. The main results we found showed an increase in the rate of burnout, dimensions of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and compassion fatigue; a reduction in personal accomplishment; and levels of compassion satisfaction similar to those before the pandemic. The main risk factors associated with burnout were anxiety, depression, and insomnia, along with some sociodemographic variables such as being a woman or a nurse or working directly with COVID-19 patients. Comparable results were found for compassion fatigue, but information regarding compassion satisfaction was lacking. The main protective factors were resilience and social support.

The mediating role of job satisfaction between psychological capital and work engagement among Chinese nurses during COVID-19 outbreak: A comparative study between nurse specialists and general nurses

BACKGROUND

The outbreak of COVID-19 has become a global public health emergency, causing great psychological distress to nurses. It is unknown whether the pandemic will affect the work engagement of nurses, the relationship between psychological capital, job satisfaction, and work engagement among nurses, and whether there are differences between nurse specialists and general nurses during the pandemic.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare psychological capital, job satisfaction, and work engagement among nurse specialists and general nurses during the pandemic, as well as to test the role of job satisfaction as a mediator in the association between psychological capital and work engagement among nurses, and to examine whether the underlying mechanism of the relationship between psychological capital and job satisfaction differs between nurse specialists and general nurses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A convenience sampling was used to assess a sample of 372 nurse specialists and 318 general nurses from nine provincial general hospitals in China to participate in the online survey. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires, including the following tools: self-designed socio-demographic questionnaire, psychological capital scale, job satisfaction scale, and work engagement scale.

RESULTS

Compared with general nurses, the nurse specialists had higher psychological capital, job satisfaction, and work engagement. Job satisfaction partially mediated the positive association between psychological capital and work engagement and the indirect effect was stronger in nurse specialists in comparison to general nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

The findings provide important practical implications for future intervention programs aimed at enhancing nurses' work engagement, which may be realized through strengthening psychological capital and job satisfaction during the pandemic. Moreover, considering the cost-effectiveness of limited health care spending, nursing managers should pay more attention to the continuing professional development of young general nurses.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Burnout Among Healthcare Workers During COVID-19

Burnout among healthcare personnel has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic's unique features. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide a complete assessment of the prevalence of burnout across various healthcare personnel. Until January 2021, systematic searches for English language papers were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest. Thirty observational studies were found after conducting systematic searches. The pooled overall prevalence of burnout was 52% [95% confidence interval (CI) 40-63%]. Pooled emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and lack of personal accomplishment (PA) were 51% (95% CI 42-61%), 52% (95% CI 39-65%), and 28% (95% CI 25-31%), respectively. This study demonstrated that nearly half of the healthcare workers experienced burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the studies that were included, non-frontline COVID-19 exposed healthcare personnel also experienced burnout. From high to lower middle-income countries, there was a gradient in the prevalence of total burnout, EE, and lack of PA. Further studies on burnout in low and lower-middle-income countries are suggested. A uniform diagnostic tool for the assessment of burnout is warranted.

Burnout of Healthcare Workers Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Follow-Up Study

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a significant challenge to the modern healthcare system and led to increased burnout among healthcare workers (HCWs). We previously reported that HCWs who engaged in COVID-19 patient care had a significantly higher prevalence of burnout (50.0%) than those who did not in November 2020 (period 1). We performed follow-up surveys in HCWs in a Japanese national university hospital, including basic demographics, whether a participant engaged in care of COVID-19 patients in the past 2 weeks, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory in February 2021 (period 2) and May 2021 (period 3). Periods 1 and 3 were amid the surges of COVID-19 cases, and period 2 was a post-surge period with a comparatively small number of COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization. Response rates to the surveys were 33/130 (25.4%) in period 1, 36/130 (27.7%) in period 2, and 56/162 (34.6%) in period 3, respectively. While no consistent tendency in the prevalence of burnout based on variables was observed throughout the periods, the prevalence of burnout tends to be higher in periods 1 and 3 in those who engaged in COVID-19 patient care in the last 2 weeks (50.0%, 30.8%, 43.1% in period 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Given the prolonged pandemic causing stigmatization and hatred against HCWs leading to increased prevalence of burnout, high-level interventions and supports are warranted.

Job burnout and its impact on work ability in biosafety laboratory staff during the COVID-19 epidemic in Xinjiang

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has increased the physical and psychological stress of medical workers. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of job burnout and its impact on work ability among Biosafety Laboratory (BSL) staffs during the COVID-19 epidemic in Xinjiang.

METHODS

A total of 7911 qualified BSL staffs in Xinjiang were investigated by electronic questionnaires. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) was used for job burnout survey. Work Ability Index (WAI) was used for work ability survey. The prevalence and risk factors of job burnout in BSL staffs were analyzed through chi square test, t-test and one-way ANOVA. And then, the influence of demographic and job-related variables, i.e., confounding factors, were eliminated to the greatest extent by the propensity score analysis (PSA) method, to investigate the impact of job burnout on work ability in BSL staffs.

RESULTS

A total of 67.6% BSL staffs experienced job burnout. There were significant differences in the detection rate of job burnout among demographic and job-related variables, including gender, age, ethnicity, education, working years, professional title, marital status, number of night shift per month and overall sleep condition (all P < 0.05). The detection rate of job burnout in female was higher than that in male. The detection rates of job burnout in 45-50 years old, Han ethnicity, education of postgraduate or above, 11-20 years of working, intermediate professional title, married, staff with many night shifts per month and poor overall sleep condition were higher than that of other groups. The average burnout scores of the Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Cynicism (CY), Reduced Personal Accomplishment (PA) scale were 10.00 ± 5.99, 4.64 ± 4.59 and 15.25 ± 8.16, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the three dimensions of job burnout, i.e., EE, CY, PE, were negatively correlated with work ability and significantly affected the work ability of BSL staffs (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the prevalence of job burnout is extremely common among BSL staffs. In addition, the work ability decreases with the increase of job burnout and the improvement of job burnout can enhance work ability among BSL staffs.

Psychological distress among healthcare providers during COVID-19 in Asia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating effect on the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare providers (HCPs) globally. This review is aimed at determining the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, fear, burnout and resilience and its associated factors among HCPs in Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed literature search using 4 databases from Medline, Cinahl, PubMed and Scopus from inception up to March 15, 2021 and selected relevant cross-sectional studies. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot. Random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence while risk factors were reported in odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI.

RESULTS

We included 148 studies with 159,194 HCPs and the pooled prevalence for depression was 37.5% (95%CI: 33.8-41.3), anxiety 39.7(95%CI: 34.3-45.1), stress 36.4% (95%CI: 23.2-49.7), fear 71.3% (95%CI: 54.6-88.0), burnout 68.3% (95%CI: 54.0-82.5), and low resilience was 16.1% (95%CI: 12.8-19.4), respectively. The heterogeneity was high (I2>99.4%). Meta-analysis reported that both females (OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.30-1.68) and nurses (OR = 1.21; 95%CI = 1.02-1.45) were at increased risk of having depression and anxiety [(Female: OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.49-1.85), (Nurse: OR = 1.36; 95%CI = 1.16-1.58)]. Females were at increased risk of getting stress (OR = 1.59; 95%CI = 1.28-1.97).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, one third of HCPs suffered from depression, anxiety and stress and more than two third of HCPs suffered from fear and burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia.

Coping Through COVID-19: A Mixed Method Approach to Understand How Palliative Care Teams Managed the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

While previous work documented a substantial increase in patient mortality consultations and workload for palliative teams, little is known about how these team members managed their mental and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated how job resources (coworker and supervisor support) and personal resources (coping strategies) reduced perceptions of burnout and increased perceptions of well-being.

METHOD

An anonymous electronic survey was sent to all members (N = 64) of the palliative medical team among 14 hospitals of a New York State health system. Data were collected between September 2020 to October 2020. Measures included validated scales for burnout (Oldenburg Burnout Inventory), coping strategies (Cybernetic Coping Scale), subjective well-being (BBC Subjective Well-being scale), and coworker/supervisor support (7 items from Yang et al).

RESULTS

Results indicated devaluation coping tactics were used to reduce perceptions of burnout and to increase perceptions of physical health. Higher burnout was identified when using avoidance coping techniques. Furthermore, coworkers and supervisor(s) support significantly reduced disengagement when compared to coworker support alone.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 exacerbated burnout experienced by palliative care teams, yet the use of coping behaviors (devaluation/avoidance) and external resources (coworker and supervisor support) utilized by these teams were found to have positive effects. Further research should investigate these antagonizing factors to help preventing and addressing burn out during times of crises and in the everyday of palliative care teams.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Burnout of Frontline Healthcare Workers in Fighting Against the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence From China

OBJECTIVES

The sudden outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) plunged healthcare workers (HCWs) into warfare. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout and the factors associated with it among frontline HCWs fighting COVID-19.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among frontline HCWs fighting against the COVID-19 in Wuhan, Harbin, and Shenzhen during the period from February 18 to March 4. Finally, HCWs were recruited using cluster sampling, 1,163 HCWs were included in the final analysis. Burnout was measured using a 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory scale (MBI scale).

RESULTS

Of the participants, 48.6% suffered from burnout, and 21.8% showed a high degree of burnout. Doctors (b = 3.954, P = 0.011) and nurses (b = 3.067, P = 0.042) showed higher emotional exhaustion (EE) than administrators. Participants who worked continuously for more than 8 h a day (b = 3.392, P = 0.000), those who were unable to eat three regular daily meals (b = 2.225, P = 0.008), whose daily water intake was no more than 800 ml (b = 3.007, P = 0.000), who slept for no more than 6 h (b = 1.609, P = 0.036), and who were infected or had colleagues who were infected with COVID-19 (b = 4.182, P = 0.000) experienced much higher levels of EE, while those who could adhere to infection control procedures (b = -5.992, P = 0.000), who were satisfied with their hospital's infection control measures(b = -3.709, P = 0.001), and who could receive sufficient psychological crisis intervention (b = -1.588, P = 0.039) reported lower levels of EE.

CONCLUSION

The study reveals that burnout is prevalent among frontline HCWs and that the known factors associated with burnout, such as workload, and the factors directly associated with COVID-19, such as having insufficient protection, can affect burnout symptoms in frontline HCWs. Synergized and comprehensive interventions should be targeted at reducing its occurrence among frontline HCWs fighting COVID-19.

Mental health disorders among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey from three major hospitals in Kenya

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is an international global health emergency and has posed a great challenge to mental well-being and resilience. Little is known about the mental health impact of COVID-19 among healthcare workers (HCWs) in sub-Saharan Africa or other low-resource settings.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study between August and November 2020 among HCWs recruited from three major hospitals in Kenya. The survey questionnaire consisted of six components: demographic and work title characteristics; information regarding care of patients with COVID-19; and symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, distress and burnout, measured using standardised questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with mental health disorders.

RESULTS

A total of 433 (65.2% response rate) individuals participated in the survey. Median age was 32.75 years, 58.4% were females and 68.8% were front-line workers. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, distress and burnout were reported in 53.6%, 44.3%, 41.1%, 31.0% and 45.8% of all participants, respectively. Front-line HCWs, females and doctors were at higher risk of mental health symptoms. Nearly half of participants reported inadequate resources or training to care for patients with COVID-19, and those in the government hospital were more likely to report mental health symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This is among the first studies examining mental health outcomes among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. Similar to other studies from around the world, HCWs directly involved with patients with COVID-19 reported higher rates of mental health symptoms. Mitigating strategies specific to Kenyan HCWs are urgently needed to help them cope with mental health symptoms during the pandemic.

The prevalence and stressors of job burnout among medical staff in Liaoning, China: a cross-section study

BACKGROUND

Sustained attention to the prevalence and associated factors of burnout in China is important for the health care service quality and related reform. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of job burnout among medical staff in Liaoning province, China; performed a survey of subjective perception ranking for the main stressors among respondents; estimated the effect of stresses from work tasks and the relationship with patients on job burnout in order to provide improved strategy and suggestion for hospital administrators.

METHODS

The respondents were from 8 hospitals in 3 cities in Liaoning province, China. Data were collected and analyzed including the following sections: (1) demographic characteristics; (2) work situations; (3) ranking of six stressors; (4) job burnout scale; (5) effort-reward imbalance scale; (6) work violence scale; (7) fear of malpractice scale. A total of 1056 individuals became the study objects. A statistical analysis and hierarchical linear regression analysis were performed to explore the prevalence of burnout and the effects of stressors.

RESULTS

The prevalence of job burnout was 20.5, and 72.9% of all respondents reported a least one symptom of burnout. The respondents who were male, 30-39 years old, had a master's degree or high and working hours > 60 h per week, came from obstetrics and gynecology or pediatrics profession prone to job burnout. The relationship with patients and work tasks are the top two ranking stressors in the subjective perception survey. Regression analysis showed that the relationship with patients explained 19.2, 16.8 and 2.0% of variance in burnout subscales EE, DP and PA, respectively and work tasks explained 23.5, 16.0 and 5.24% of variance in burnout subscales EE, DP and PA, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The Chinese medical staff had high prevalence of job burnout. Some factors of demographic and work situations were associated with job burnout. The medical staff considered the relationship with patients and work tasks are the two major stressors. These two stressors are also the major indicators associated with job burnout. The hospital administrators should be aware of the risk of burnout. Efforts should be made to ameliorate the status of job burnout.

SARS/MERS/SARS-CoV-2 Outbreaks and Burnout Syndrome among Healthcare Workers. An Umbrella Systematic Review

The coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic is putting a severe strain on all healthcare systems. Several occupational risk factors are challenging healthcare workers (HCWs) who are at high risk of mental health outcomes, including Burnout Syndrome (BOS). BOS is a psychological syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerning BOS and coronavirus (SARS/MERS/SARS-CoV-2) outbreaks was carried out on PubMed Central/Medline, Cochrane Library, PROSPERO, and Epistemonikos databases. Data relating to COVID-19 is insufficient, but in previous SARS and MERS outbreaks about one-third of HCWs manifested BOS. This prevalence rate is similar to the figure recorded in some categories of HCWs exposed to chronic occupational stress and poor work organization during non-epidemic periods. Inadequate organization and worsening working conditions during an epidemic appear to be the most likely causes of BOS. Preventive care and workplace health promotion programs could be useful for protecting healthcare workers during pandemics, as well as during regular health activities.

Burnout of Healthcare Workers amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Japanese Cross-Sectional Survey

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic has drastically changed how we live and work. Amid the prolonged pandemic, burnout of the frontline healthcare professionals has become a significant concern. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study to provide data about the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the prevalence of burnout in healthcare professionals in Japan. Healthcare workers in a single Japanese national university hospital participated in the survey, including basic demographics, whether a participant engaged in care of COVID-19 patients in the past 2 weeks and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Of those, 25.4% fully answered the survey; 33.3% were doctors and 63.6% were nurses, and 36.3% engaged in care of COVID-19 patients in the past 2 weeks. Compared to those belonging to General Medicine, those in Emergency Intensive Care Unit were at higher risk of burnout (odds ratio (OR), 6.7; 95% CI, 1.1–42.1; p = 0.031). Of those who engaged in care of COVID-19 patients, 50% reported burnout while 6.1% did not (OR 8.5, 95% CI; 1.3–54.1; p = 0.014). The burnout of healthcare workers is a significant concern amid the pandemic, which needs to be addressed for sustainable healthcare delivery.