Cited by 16Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnoutCOVID-19 and Mental HealthOccupational Health and Burnout

Over a third of palliative medicine physicians meet burnout criteria: Results from a survey study during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Boland, Jason W, Kabir, Monisha, Spilg, Edward G, Webber, Colleen, Bush, Shirley H, Murtagh, Fliss, Lawlor, Peter G·2023·Palliative Medicine

Abstract

Background: Palliative medicine physicians may be at higher risk of burnout due to increased stressors and compromised resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnout prevalence and factors influencing this among UK and Irish palliative medicine physicians is unknown. Aim: To determine the prevalence of burnout and the degree of resilience among UK and Irish palliative medicine physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated factors. Design: Online survey using validated assessment scales assessed burnout and resilience: The Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel [MBI-HSS (MP)] and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Additional tools assessed depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and quality of life. Setting/participants: Association of Palliative Medicine of UK and Ireland members actively practising in hospital, hospice or community settings. Results: There were 544 respondents from the 815 eligible participants (66.8%), 462 provided complete MBI-HSS (MP) data and were analysed. Of those 181/462 (39.2%) met burnout criteria, based on high emotional exhaustion or depersonalisation subscales of the MBI-HSS (MP). A reduced odds of burnout was observed among physicians who worked ⩽20 h/week (vs 31–40 h/week, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.002–0.56) and who had a greater perceived level of clinical support (aOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.62–0.80). Physicians with higher levels of depressive symptoms had higher odds of burnout (aOR 18.32, 95% CI 6.75–49.73). Resilience, mean (SD) CD-RISC score, was lower in physicians who met burnout criteria compared to those who did not (62.6 (11.1) vs 70.0 (11.3); p < 0.001). Conclusions: Over one-third of palliative medicine physicians meet burnout criteria. The provision of enhanced organisational and colleague support is paramount in both the current and future pandemics.

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  1. [31]Pereira S Teixeira C Ribeiro O, et al. Burnout in physicians and nurses: a multicentre quantitative study in palliative care units in Portugal. Magaz Nursi Refer 2014; 3: 55– 64.

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Authors
Boland, J. W., Kabir, M., Spilg, E. G., Webber, C., Bush, S. H., Murtagh, F., & Lawlor, P. G.
Affiliations
  • University of Hull (GB)
  • Bruyère (CA)
  • University of Ottawa (CA)
  • Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (CA)
Corresponding author
Boland, Jason W
Venue
Palliative Medicine
Published
2023-02-15
Volume
37
Issue
3
Pages
343-354
ISSN
  • 0269-2163 (ISSN-L)
  • 1477-030X
OpenAlex
W4320858026
Cited by
16
References
57
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 4
FWCI
5.67
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Palliative Medicine (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Repository@Hull (Worktribe) (University of Hull) (acceptedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
  • University of Ottawa
  • National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR135115, NIHR201354)
  • Department of Health and Social Care
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › COVID-19 and Mental Health
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Occupational Health and Burnout
Keywords
burnout, COVID-19 pandemic, resilience, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, depressive symptoms, clinical support, working hours, alcohol consumption, quality of life, occupational stress
MeSH terms
COVID-19, Burnout, Professional, Humans, Physicians, Quality of Life, Surveys and Questionnaires, Pandemics, Palliative Medicine

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