Purpose: This study was designed to assess the effects of the coronavirus-19 (Covid-19) pandemic on job satisfaction and burnout among surgical residents.
Background: Burnout is a syndrome resulting from prolonged workplace stressors. Burnout is increasing among medical professionals resulting in negative effects on patients and providers. The recent Covid-19 pandemic adds additional stressors to healthcare workers and could affect burnout.
Methods: This is a retrospective, observational, survey-based study. We administered a web-based questionnaire to surgical sub-specialty residents, and results were compared to a prior study in 2016. The questionnaire included elements on demographics, job satisfaction, burnout, and self-care habits. Basic statistical analyses were used to compare data from 2020 and 2016.
Results: Job satisfaction was significantly higher in 2020 than 2016 (p< 0.001). There were no differences between post-graduate years for 2020 or 2016 in emotional exhaustion (p=0.29, p=0.75), personal accomplishment (p=0.88, p=0.26), or depersonalization (p=0.14, p=0.59) burnout scores. 0% of residents in 2020 worked fewer than 61 hours per week. Residents in 2020 exercised more (40.0% vs 21.6%), had similar alcohol usage (60.0%), and had similar diets to residents in 2016. Residents in 2020 were less likely to regret their specialty (7.5% vs 21.6%), consider changing residencies (30.0% vs 37.8%), or consider a career change (15.0% vs 45.9%).
Discussions: Job satisfaction scores were significantly higher during the Covid-19 pandemic. The cancellation of elective surgeries led to a lighter workload for surgical residents. Residents were uncertain of their role during the pandemic, however new stressors encouraged residents to seek alternative methods for personal wellness.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2022, Resident, Faculty, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Patient Care, Professionalism, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, GME, Quality & Safety, Advocacy,
Adam Elwood, MD, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Nell Maloney Patel, MD; Juana Hutchinson-Colas, MD
