Burnout in Healthcare Staff due to COVID Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Dedicated COVID Hospital

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the socio-demographic profile and burnout among frontline doctors, paramedical, and other supporting staff in dedicated tertiary COVID hospitals. Materials and Methods The samples taken were divided into three groups as follows: Doctors, paramedical staff, and other supporting staff working in a tertiary hospital dedicated to handling the COVID-19 pandemic at SKIMS-MCH Bemina Hospital. Results In this study, a total of 185 participants took part out of which 388 individuals were employed across the medical departments of this hospital. This was an overall response rate of 47.6%. Most participants were in the age group of 31–50 years (48.6%). Males comprised 53.5%, married 66.4%, living with family 82.7%, and as per job description, most responses were from paramedical staff (53.51%). On analysis of the mean ± SD score of burnout across individual socio-demographic variables predominant burnout was seen in paramedical staff (45 ± 5.2) followed by those living with family (42 ± 3.7), married (43 ± 1.2), and those older than 50 years (40 ± 3.9). Conclusion Our study showed that the high prevalence of burnout was among healthcare professionals in the tertiary hospital who were exposed to working and catering large population with serious healthcare and emergency issues caring for patients during the new pandemic. Factors such as female gender, living with family, and older age of healthcare professionals were associated with significant burnout. These findings can help to improve the preparedness for the future.