Why COVID-19 pandemic builds a convincing case for investing in 'Young Physician Leaders (YPL)'

Provider and staff crisis well-being associated with trust in leadership and baseline burnout

BACKGROUND

The impact of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the emotional health of health care workers continues to be an area of active research. However, few studies have focused on those working in pediatrics and its subspecialties, as well as ancillary and non-patient-facing staff. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated predictors of burnout and emotional well-being of providers and staff.

METHODS

An anonymous electronic survey was developed evaluating demographics, pandemic experiences, possible predictor variables, and three main outcomes of burnout, psychological distress, and perceived stress. Pediatric hematology oncology (PHO) chiefs and program directors across the country were invited to participate and disseminate the survey to their programs.

RESULTS

A total of 682/1950 (35% of invited) individuals responded to all predictor and outcome variables. Over half reported high levels of burnout and some reported moderate/high levels of distress. Prepandemic burnout and decreased trust in leadership were associated with all three outcomes. Additional predictors included having a child ≤18 years at home, hospital role, and worrying about patient care or relationship with their patients. The majority (n = 444/682, 65.5%) reported that their institution had made COVID-19-related mental health resources available. However, only 6.5% (n = 44/682) reported utilizing these resources.

CONCLUSIONS

While the majority of PHO providers and staff were resilient during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, many reported high levels of burnout, yet few are utilizing institutional resources. This study has highlighted several actionable areas to help identify and address factors that are wearing down the emotional well-being of providers and staff.

Health Impact and Psychosocial Perceptions among French Medical Residents during the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak: A Cross-Sectional Survey

This study compared the impact on mental health and the psychosocial perceptions of medical residents and healthcare workers (HCWs) in a hospital after the first peak of the SARS-CoV2 outbreak in France. A validated version of the SATIN questionnaire with a modified scoring system was used to collect data on health and psychosocial factors. This questionnaire was sent to all workers at the hospital in July 2020 and was self-administered online. Using a multivariate multinomial regression model, the study included demographic variables such as age, gender, years at workplace and the relevant of covariate as HCW status. One thousand, four hundred and six questionnaires were available for analysis including 393 non-HCWs, 891 HCWs and 122 medical residents. Medical resident status is a risk factor for stress (OR 4.77 [2.48-9.18] p < 0.001), worse global health (OR 4 [1.7-9.6] p < 0.001) and mental health (OR 2.58 [1.3-5.1] p = 0.02), negative perception of work demand (OR 8.25 [3.5-19.6] p <0.001), work activity environment (OR 3.18 [1.5-6.7] p = 0.02) and organizational context (OR 4.9 [2.38-10.4] p <0.001). Action on collective support, protection equipment, organizational context and framework are important.