Allergy and Immunology Physician and Patient (Un)Wellness During COVID-19 and Beyond: Lessons for the Future

Abstract

The COVID 19 pandemic increased stress and reduced wellness for patients and physicians alike. The uncertainty, frequent changes, fear of illness/death and supply chain issues taxed an already broken healthcare system. The pandemic undermined the factors that allow for a healthy workplace - control, predictability and certainty. During this time, rates of depression, suicidality, and anxiety all increased among physicians and the community at large. These challenges were aggravated by disagreements regarding masking and vaccinations. These factors, as well as, the degree to which someone felt valued or not also contributed to burnout. Some changes like the transition to telemedicine, while initially stressful, led to patient satisfaction and allowed clinical care to continue. Other changes, like trying to home school or watching young children while simultaneously trying to work were less desirable. Patients and physicians did their best to combat isolation, fear, anxiety and the numerous societal changes. Burnout fluctuated throughout the pandemic related to local and systemic factors like rates of infection, vaccination, supply chain issues and individual support. The pandemic highlighted problems with our healthcare system, including structural racism, healthcare disparities and how easily the system can be overwhelmed. Physicians may have been thrown into roles they did not feel comfortable filling and may have had insufficient staff to practice in a way they wanted to. These factors led to frustration among patients and physicians alike. The National Plan for Healthforce well-being outlines the need for healthcare reform to allow for effective and safe healthcare while protecting clinicians from burnout.