Patient-related Burnout Research Articles

Job Satisfaction Among First-Generation Migrant Physicians in Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine in Germany.

This study examines job satisfaction, burnout, and well-being among first-generation migrant physicians in anesthesiology and intensive care medicine in Germany, comparing them to their native German counterparts. A cross-sectional survey design was utilized, collecting data from 513 physicians, 110 of whom identified as having a migration background. Job satisfaction was measured using the Warr-Cook-Wall (WCW) Job Satisfaction Scale, burnout was assessed with the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), and well-being was evaluated using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. The job satisfaction ratings revealed no significant differences between migrant and German physicians in most dimensions, including physical workload, freedom to choose work methods, satisfaction with colleagues, responsibility, income, skill utilization, and variety in work tasks. However, migrant physicians reported significantly higher satisfaction with recognition received for their work and lower dissatisfaction with working hours. Burnout assessments showed that migrant physicians experienced higher psychological strain, perceiving every work hour as more exhausting and having significantly less energy for family and friends. Migrant physicians reported higher difficulty and frustration in working with patients. Well-being items indicated that migrant physicians felt less energetic and active but found their daily life more filled with interesting activities. Notably, the multivariate analyses of the total scale scores did not show significant associations between migration background and the overall outcome scales. The findings indicate unique challenges faced by migrant physicians, particularly in terms of recognition and patient-related burnout. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions to support migrant physicians, including cultural competence training and flexible working hours to enhance their job satisfaction and overall well-being. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining the quality of patient care and the occupational health of migrant physicians in Germany.

Mental health and wellness of medical students in Ontario – A mixed methods approach

Medical students are highly susceptible to distress and burnout, raising concern about how this can carry over into their careers, impacting wellness, professionalism, and patient care. The aims of this study are to assess the mental health and wellness status of medical students in Ontario. This study electronically surveyed medical students across M1-M4 attending a medical school in Ontario, Canada, using the Brief COPE, DASS21, and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) to examine their coping mechanisms, levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, the prevalence of personal, work-related, and patient-related burnout, and perceived support. Participants were recruited through mass email containing a survey link. BriefCOPE results show that students tend to rely on self-distraction, emotional support, instrumental support, and acceptance as coping mechanisms. DASS21 demonstrates that M4 students report severe stress and anxiety and mild depression. Results of CBI show moderate personal and work-related burnout, and low patient-related burnout. Qualitative analysis of students’ opinion on how the institution can enhance their wellness resulted in three themes: enhanced student scheduling, more communication from the administration, and more elective wellness sessions and social events. The data presented in this study will provide insight into the overall mental health and wellness of medical students studying in Ontario and may have important implications for medical education, healthcare institutions, and health policymaking.

Burnout experience among healthcare workers post third COVID-19 wave in India; findings of a cross-sectional study

Background The pandemic exacerbated burnout experienced by healthcare personnel, whose mental health had long been a public health concern before COVID-19. This study used the Copenhagen burnout inventory (CBI) tool to assess burnout and identify predictors among Indian healthcare workers managing COVID-19. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2022, after the third pandemic wave. A web-based, fillable Google form was used to recruit COVID-19 management professionals from multiple Jaipur district hospitals. Healthcare professionals provided socio-demographic, work-related, and CBI scores. Multiple linear regression was used to control for model covariant independent variables. Results We evaluated the responses of a total of 578 participants with a mean age of 36.59 ± 9.1 years. Based on the CBI cut-off score of 50, 68.1% reported burnout. A total of 67.5%, 56.4%, and 48.6% of healthcare workers reported work-related, personal, and patient-related burnout, respectively. High burnout scores were significantly associated with the nursing profession (β = 7.89, 95% CI; 3.66, 12.11, p < 0.0001). The p-value indicates the probability of observing the data if the null hypothesis is true, and the confidence interval shows the range within which we can be 95% confident that the true effect lies. An independent relationship exists between male gender and higher personal-related burnout scores (β = 4.45, 95% CI 1.9–6.9). Conclusion This study identified key indicators that need further emphasis and the need for organizational and individual-level burnout monitoring in healthcare delivery sectors. Health workers continue to experience burnout due to a combination of personal, professional, and patient-related factors. This underscores the need for targeted organizational and individual interventions. The findings also suggest that the CBI tool could identify healthcare worker burnout risk groups.

Prevalence of personal, work-related and patient-related burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors among healthcare workers in health clinics in the district of Manjung, Perak: A cross-sectional study.

Burnout is a syndrome characterised by physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that results from a long period of involvement in an overwhelming work condition. It is prevalent among frontline workers. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of burnout among primary healthcare workers in the district of Manjung, Perak and determine the factors associated with burnout. This cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers in seven health clinics located in the district from August to September 2022. The self-administered validated Malay version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and the Malay version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used. These instruments consisted of 31 questions rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The scores were then summed up to determine the burnout level. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Simple logistic regression analysis was performed. Thereafter, multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors associated with burnout. A total of 224 participants were included. Among them, 61.6% were nurses; 21.4%, doctors; and 17.0%, assistant medical officers. The prevalence of personal burnout was 31.3%; work-related burnout, 16.5%; and patient-related burnout, 5.4%. The factors associated with burnout were the highest educational level, financial difficulties and low perceived social support from friends and significant others. Healthcare workers in Manjung health clinics have a higher prevalence of personal burnout than work- and patient-related burnout. The findings of this study provide early insights and guidance for possible interventions.

Stress, burnout and coping among nurses working on acute medical wards and in the community: A quantitative study.

Psychological distress can cause burnout, which affects mental and physical well-being. It is important to identify factors associated with psychological distress and physical discomfort and how nurses deal with these problems. The aim was to investigate distress, burnout and coping among community nurses (CN) and hospital nurses (HN). In this cross-sectional study, 409 nurses completed three questionnaires: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and Ways of Coping (WOC). Participants younger than 40 demonstrated significantly more distress and burnout than those older than 40 years. Participants who had moderate and high distress on the PSS were significantly more at risk for experiencing personal, work-related and patient-related burnout. A significant positive correlation was found between distress and behavioural escape-avoidance, cognitive escape-avoidance and distancing. Significant positive correlations were also seen between all the subscales of the CBI and behavioural escape-avoidance, cognitive escape-avoidance and distancing. Positive significant correlation was also obtained between staff resources and distress and personal-related and work-related burnout. Negative correlation was demonstrated between staff resources and patient-related burnout. Participants with longer work experience were less likely to report moderate or high distress, and those who scored higher on personal burnout and behavioural escape-avoidance were more likely to have moderate or high distress. The results of this study call for increased attention to the younger generation in the nursing profession. The results also validate the need to investigate further the correlation between distress, burnout and coping and how these issues might influence each other among nurses working in the community and hospitals. Findings should be taken with precaution, they do not describe in detail what underlying factors contribute to distress and discomfort found in this study, they do, however, indicate certain coping strategies nurses use to deal with distress and burnout.

Critical Care Nurses' Moral Resilience, Moral Injury, Institutional Betrayal, and Traumatic Stress After COVID-19.

Traumatic stress and moral injury may contribute to burnout, but their relationship to institutional betrayal and moral resilience is poorly understood, leaving risk and protective factors understudied. To examine traumatic stress symptoms, moral injury symptoms, moral resilience, and institutional betrayal experienced by critical care nurses and examine how moral injury and traumatic stress symptoms relate to moral resilience, institutional betrayal, and patient-related burnout. This cross-sectional study included 121 critical care nurses and used an online survey. Validated instruments were used to measure key variables. Descriptive statistics, regression analyses, and group t tests were used to examine relationships among variables. Of participating nurses, 71.5% reported significant moral injury symptoms and/or traumatic stress. Both moral injury symptoms and traumatic stress were associated with burnout. Regression models showed that institutional betrayal was associated with increased likelihood of traumatic stress and moral injury. Increases in scores on Response to Moral Adversity subscale of moral resilience were associated with a lower likelihood of traumatic stress and moral injury symptoms. Moral resilience, especially response to difficult circumstances, may be protective in critical care environments, but system factors (eg, institutional betrayal) must also be addressed systemically rather than relying on individual-level interventions to address nurses' needs.

Burnout and attachment in oncology and palliative care healthcare professionals

ObjectivesExamine the prevalence of burn-out in health professionals working in a hospital dedicated to patients with cancer. Explore the relationship between attachment style and burn-out in healthcare professionals working in...

Burnout experiences and coping strategies of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from a northern district of Kerala, India

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) posed major obstacles for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. The aim of this study is to investigate the extent of burnout across three domains (personal, work-related, and patient-related) and to identify associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 nurses in northern Kerala. Burnout was assessed in the context of COVID-19 using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory tool. RESULTS: This study showed that 25.9% of nurses experienced some level of burnout: 29.1% work-related, 37.3% patient-related, and 23.2% personal. Nurses who were younger, not currently married, and had less experience had a higher likelihood of experiencing patient-related burnout. Government sector nurses had higher levels of personal burnout, while permanent employees experienced more work-related burnout than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and support systems, particularly for younger and less experienced nurses, as well as those in the public health sector.

Prevalence and correlates of burn-out among Nigerian medical doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionPhysician burn-out was an issue before the pandemic. Medical personnel have faced several clinical and non-clinical challenges because of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, which predisposes them to burn-out. There...

Prevalence of burnout and practice-related risk factors among Saudi Board dental residents using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory: A survey-based cross-sectional study.

Occupational burnout is a chronic psychological problem affecting professionals. The aim of this study was to assess the types and categories of burnout among Saudi Dental board residents at different levels of residency in different provinces of Saudi Arabia, using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Questionnaires were sent to 170 Saudi Dental board residents via Email and WhatsApp. at various training centers in Saudi Arabia, in May 2022. A part of the questionnaire covered the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants such as gender, training level or center, number of working sessions or hours per week and day, dental speciality, and marital status. The second part consisted of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory survey with 21 questions. Only 110 participants returned the answered questions. The overall significant type of burnout was present in 46.3% of the respondents while 53.7%, were for free or minimal burnout. Personal, work-related, and patient-related burnout recorded 62%/38%; 40% to 60%, and 60%:40% for free or minimal to significant burnout. The overall burnout types of values were equal in both gender as well as training levels with no significant differences and P-values ≤ .05. Burnout values were close to each other among the participants in different specialties, except for orthodontics residents which were the least. Analysis of variance, followed by chi-square tests showed a significant difference among participants in different specialties in type and categories of burnout with P-values between .002 to .029. Finally, the burnout value was higher among married participants. Overall burnout types were marginally similar between genders and training levels, while the significant was slightly higher in females, married, highest training level, restorative, and prosthodontic speciality participants.

Burnout in mental health services in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Burnout is a consequence of chronic occupational stress. Specific work-related factors may contribute to burnout experienced by those working in mental health services (MHS), many of which have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. To examine personal, work- and patient-related burnout among MHS staff in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic, and explore the impact of work-related conditions on burnout. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of three MHS across Ireland utilising a study-specific questionnaire, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and the Effort-Reward Imbalance scale. Of 396 participants, 270 (70.6%) were female. Moderate and high personal burnout was experienced by 244 (64.1%) participants; work-related burnout by 231 (58.5%) participants and patient-related burnout by 83 (21.5%) participants. Risk factors for both personal and work-related burnout were female gender, urban service, time spent outside main responsibilities, overcommitment, high score on the Effort-Reward Imbalance scale and intention to change job. Being younger, with high workload and deterioration of personal mental health during the pandemic was associated with higher personal burnout, whereas a lack of opportunity to talk about work-related stress contributed to work-related burnout. Fewer factors were associated with patient-related burnout, namely overcommitment, working in urban services and poorer physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. High levels of personal and work-related burnout were found among mental health workers. The weak association with COVID-19-related factors suggest levels of burnout predated the pandemic. This has implications for MHS given the recognised additional work burden created by COVID-19.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Burnout in Athletic Trainers: An Exploratory Study.

Burnout, a state of physical or emotional exhaustion, is a concern within athletic training, as between 17% and 40% of athletic trainers (ATs) report high levels of burnout. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked with higher levels of burnout in other health professions. To compare burnout with ACEs in ATs. Cross-sectional study. Web-based survey. One thousand ATs were selected at random to participate in the study. Of these, 78 ATs started the survey, and 75 ATs completed it. Burnout, as measured by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) overall and subscale scores, was compared across groups based on the number of adverse experiences as measured by the ACEs survey. Multiple analysis of variance tests were used to determine the association between ACEs score and overall, personal, work-related, and patient-related burnout. At least 1 adverse experience was reported by 37 (49.33%) participants. Those with ≥4 ACEs had higher odds of describing overall, personal, and work-related burnout than those with 0 to 3 ACEs. Moderate burnout (CBI score ≥ 50.00) was noted in 27 (36.00%, overall), 44 (58.67%, personal), 34 (45.3%, work related), and 15 (20.00%, patient related) ATs. Participants with 4 ACEs had higher overall burnout (67.11 ± 19.89; F6,68 = 2.59, P = .03) than those with 0 (40.53 ± 17.12, P = .04), 1 (38.42 ± 20.99, P = .04), or 7 (19.08 ± 12.09, P = .03) ACEs. The same pattern existed with personal burnout, as participants with 4 ACEs (76.67 ± 17.33) had higher scores (F6,68 = 3.40, P = .00) than those with 0 (46.60 ± 17.49, P = .02), 1 (42.78 ± 21.48, P = .01), or 7 (27.08 ± 20.62, P = .03) ACEs. No other differences were observed. Between 20.00% and 58.67% of ATs surveyed reported some form of burnout. Higher levels of overall and personal burnout were found in those with 4 ACEs. Although we expected to see lower levels of burnout in those with fewer ACEs, it was surprising that those with 7 ACEs had some of the lowest CBI scores. Athletic trainers with childhood trauma may find it beneficial to engage in self-regulation exercises to reduce or limit triggers and burnout. Additionally, employers should explore developing trauma-informed workplaces to better support employees.

Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a mental health self-management app in clinicians working during the COVID-19 pandemic: A pilot randomised controlled trial

COVID-19 affected the well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs) globally. Mental health app interventions (MHAIs) may offer appropriate and accessible means to support HCWs’ mental health. We conducted a pilot randomised controlled crossover trial involving 34 clinicians randomised to either a MHAI or a waitlisted group. After one month, outcome assessments were repeated and the waitlisted group then crossed over to the MHAI; they again completed outcome assessments after a month. The primary outcomes were feasibility, assessed with the Systems Usability Scale (SUS), and acceptability, assessed with the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ). Secondary outcomes included efficacy for various mental health parameters. The SUS and CSQ scores indicated above average feasibility and acceptability. There was a significant difference in anxiety from baseline to 1-month follow-up between the groups, with greater improvement in the MHAI group. The groups differed in resilience and patient-related burnout from baseline to 1-month follow-up, with a trend towards significance, with greater improvements in the MHAI group. Anxiety and acute stress disorder severity improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention. We demonstrated that MHAIs hold potential for improving well-being of HCWs, although these findings will need to be replicated in adequately powered trials.

Feasibility of a Mindfulness Education Module for Nurses: An Evidence-Based Practice Project.

Nurse burnout is a well-defined problem that has been exacerbated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and negatively affects nurses' mental health, nursing shortages, patient safety, and quality of care. Evidence shows that mindfulness is an effective strategy for managing stress and decreasing burnout among nurses. This article describes an evidence-based practice project that translated this evidence into practice via a vetted mindfulness educational intervention for nurses on a pulmonary medicine unit and a medical intensive care unit. The goal of this project was to assess the feasibility of this educational intervention, processes, and outcomes with the goal to extend the project hospital-wide. Preintervention levels of nurse burnout were assessed using the validated Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. For both units, personal and work-related burnout were in the moderate range and patient-related burnout was in the mild range. Postintervention surveys completed by participant nurses and the nurse managers of both units supported the feasibility of this education module. Future implementation of annual mindfulness education was supported through both participant and administrative feedback. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 202x;5x(x):xx-xx.].

Burnout among public sector pharmacy staff two years into the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors contributing to burnout among public sector pharmacy staff in Sarawak, Malaysia, two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. Impact of burnout on their lives and their coping strategies were also examined. A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among all pharmacy staff in public healthcare facilities throughout Sarawak. Burnout was measured using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Multiple logistic regression analysed demographic and work characteristics associated with burnout. Open-ended replies on burnout causes, impact, coping strategies and employer's role were coded and thematically analysed. A total of 329 responses were received. The prevalence of personal, work and patient-related burnout was 54.7, 47.1 and 35.3%, respectively. Respondents facing problems with child support were 8.26 and 3.62 times more likely to suffer from personal and work-related burnout. Working in areas with potential exposure to COVID-19 patients increased the odds of patient and work-related burnout by 2.80 and 1.86 times, respectively. Burnout symptoms affected their quality of life; nevertheless, self-reported coping strategies were mostly positive. Respondents emphasised the need for organisational interventions, including increased resource allocation, better workload distribution and promotion of work-life balance, to mitigate burnout. A significant percentage of public sector pharmacy staff continue to experience burnout two years into the pandemic. Regular well-being assessments and supportive policies are recommended to help them cope with increased stress. Additional training for supervisors may be necessary to effectively manage staff and workload during a pandemic.

Resilience, Burnout and Wellbeing of Nurses during the Third Wave of COVID-19 in Cyprus

Background: Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion, and when experienced among healthcare workers, it is a sign of major concern for the health system. COVID-19 has induced a plethora of negative consequences, like extra workload on nurses, emotional stress, risk of infection to close family, and factors leading to burnout. Aim: This study aimed to measure the prevalence of burnout and resilience among nurses in Cyprus. Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire-based survey using Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and the Conor Davidson scale was carried out among all registered nurses in Cyprus. Burnout and resilience were defined at a cut-off score of 50 for each domain. Results: The prevalence of overall burnout was 54.26%. No significant difference was identified between the different demographics collected and burnout prevalence. Burnout was lower in the category of patient-related burnout (32.77%) compared to personal or work-related burnout (68.30% and 66.81%, respectively). Conclusion: There has been a significant prevalence of burnout found during the COVID-19 pandemic among nurses. On the contrary, our findings reflect that nurses have high resilience, something that is a benefit to the system as they never stop working. Nurses experiencing burnout have a higher tendency to leave their department/organization and their job, a fact that their management should have in mind. We suggest that management should be proactive and supportive in improving working conditions and providing assurance to employees. The long-term effects of the current pandemic need to be assessed later.

Burnout and Stress Among Residents in Four Gulf Cooperation Council Countries Using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and Stress Overload Scale-Short Form

Physician burnout and stress can have consequential effects on healthcare services and are a leading cause for medical errors and lower quality of care. This is the first study to assess the prevalence rates and associated variables for burnout and stress levels of medical residents in four Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by combining the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and Stress Overload Scale-Short Form (SOS-S) as assessment tools. A cross-sectional, quantitative research method design using an online survey. This online survey was distributed to second year and above medical residents training in tertiary healthcare centres in four GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman). Eligible residents (n = 16,686) were recruited via convenience sampling. Out of 2,886 respondents, 996 responses were excluded due to incomplete information. The data was collected from 13th September 2020 to 15th November 2020. Of 1,890 included medical residents, 961 (50.8%) were females, and the mean (SD) age was 29.5 (3.2) years old. Personal burnout prevalence rates were the highest, followed by work-related and patient-related burnout (98.4%, 97.8%, and 79.3%, respectively). Arab and Kuwait Board residents had the highest rates of burnout across all domains. Stress overload scores were high with 51.6% of residents at high risk for illness, with Saudi Board residents most likely to be at high risk and Oman Medical Specialty Board residents at low risk. Burnout predictors included: no access to a wellness programme (p = 0.000), longer shifts (p = 0.000), high personal vulnerability (p = 0.000), and intention to leave (p = 0.05). Our findings show that burnout and stress rates are high for GCC residents, suggesting a significant problem for residents to provide the highest quality of healthcare possible. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of residency wellness interventions to address this issue.

Health-related quality of life in Hong Kong physicians up to 20 years post-graduation: A cross-sectional survey.

Problems with health-related quality of life can affect physicians' ability to work effectively. This study compared the health-related quality of life of Hong Kong physicians to the general population and explored the factors associated with mental and physical health-related quality of life. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2016. Medical graduates from the University of Hong Kong participated in a survey containing the Short Form-12 Item Health survey version 2, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and items on lifestyle behaviors, career satisfaction, and socio-demographics. 496 responses were received. The mean physical component summary score was 53.2 (SD = 7.6), similar to the general population. The mean mental component summary score was 43.6 (SD = 11.8), significantly worse than the general population (P<0.01). Compared to the general population, all Short-Form 12 Health Survey version 2 domains were worse in doctors, aside from bodily pain and general health. Regular exercise was positively associated with physical component summary scores (Coeff 2.024; P = 0.047); but having children and higher personal burnout scores were negatively associated with it (Coeff -1.890; P = 0.036; and Coeff -0.045; P = 0.027, respectively). Poorer mental component summary scores correlated with worse personal (Coeff -0.284; P< 0.001), work-related (Coeff -0.135; P = 0.040), and patient-related burnout (Coeff -0.060; P = 0.041), and higher Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores (Coeff -9.170; P<0.001). There were significant differences in mental health (P = 0.042) and mental component summary scores (P = 0.012) across age groups, but not with gender. Hong Kong physicians are less impacted by physical health than mental health. Compared to the general population, doctors' mental health has a more significant impact on their lives. Interventions aimed to improve burnout and depression rates in physicians may improve physicians' mental health-related quality of life.

Burnout Prevalence and its Associated Factors among Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global health threat and has placed an extraordinary demand on healthcare workers around the world. More than half of healthcare workers in this phase experienced burnout. The main causes of personal, professional, and patient-related burnout were found to be direct participation in COVID-19 screening or treatment, having a medical condition, and less psychological support at work. Burnout was cited by healthcare employees as being caused by their workloads, the pandemic's uncertainties, difficult work-family balance, and strained working relationships. Burnout syndrome is more directly serving the people working in professions that are seen in important of human relationships. Nursing is one of the human service professions and is specifically vital in the medical and mental health care delivery. In the health professional heavy workload and non-compliance among persons are important risk factors for burnout. Exhaustion appeared to be the major symptom, and many participants utilized problem-focused coping to deal with the adversities experienced during the pandemic. Health workers reported physical, occupational, psychological, and social-related negative impacts resulting from burnout. Burnout is generally associated with higher rates of illness, increased use of alcohol and drugs, lower career satisfaction, high “staff turnover” but also reduced the quality of service, resulting in the poor patient outcome. As the pandemic trajectory is yet unknown, these findings provide early insight and guidance for possible interventions.

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.

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.