Job stressors and burnout among nurses and primary-care physicians working at a dedicated outpatient respiratory center for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Abstract

High burnout is reported among health professionals providing in-patient care to patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Data are lacking on job stressors and burnout among health providers working in dedicated outpatient facilities for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. This cross-sectional study, using a parallel mixed-methods design, was carried out in 2021-2022 among 22 nurses and 22 primary-care physicians working at a COVID Outpatient Respiratory Center (CORC) (100% participation). Work conditions were assessed via the nurse-and physician-specific Occupational Stressor Index (OSI) and occupational records. Measures of the outcome included the Copenhagen Burnout Index and current tobacco use. Time working in CORC displayed significant multivariate associations with personal, work-and patient-related burnout among physicians and current tobacco use among nurses. Total OSI scores showed adjusted odds ratios for work-related (1.35 (1.01 ± 1.79))(1.31 (0.99 ± 1.75)) and patient-related burnout (1.35 (1.01 ± 1.81))(1.34 (1.01 ± 1.78)) among physicians and nurses, respectively. Numerous work stressors showed significant multivariate associations with burnout and smoking. Among the stressors were: being contacted outside work hours about patients, inadequate rest breaks, many patients/shifts, difficulty taking time off, insufficient pay, frequently listening to emotionally disturbing accounts, interruptions, increased workload, time pressure, and responsibility. Heavy patient burden/time pressure was most often cited as the hardest part of work in CORC. Increased employment of staff was the most frequently suggested workplace modification. Integrative assessment reveals that increased staff could ameliorate many work stressors associated with burnout and smoking in this cohort. Working in CORC is an extra burden. In crisis situations such as the COVID pandemic, more staff is needed. Lowering the total job stressor load is vital.