The effect of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on psychological condition of physicians: burnout syndrome

Objective: In December 2019, a pneumonia epidemic caused by the agent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) broke out. The disease has been named as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Burnout is defined as a process that occurs with the "increasing inconsistency between the needs of a person and the demands of a job" in employed individuals. This study aimed to determine the burnout levels and associated risk factors of physicians working in Turkey during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Method: In our study, "Sociodemographic Data Form" and "Maslach Burnout Scale (MBI)" were implemented. Between 17-22 May 2020, the questionnaire and consent forms were sent to the contact numbers of the physicians who were actively working during the pandemic period. In addition, the target audience was reached through the communication groups of the Turkish Thoracic Society, other professional associations and health institutions. Burnout was assessed by the scores of three subscales: Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (D) and Lack of Personal Achievement (LPA). Results: 893 people, including 366 (41%) residents/research assistants, 328 (36.7%) consultants, 181 (20.3%) academicians and 18 (2%) general practitioners, participated in the study (%56.7 female and mean age= 38.54 ± 11.58 years). The burnout levels of the physicians who worked in the pandemic unit (n=730, 81.7%) were significantly higher than those who did not (p<0.001). Burnout scores were negatively correlated with age and positively correlated with the number of night shifts (p<0.001). The burnout scores of those who would like to change their professions (n= 296, 33.1%) and those who thought that they could not have enough free time for their family and/or themselves (n= 476, 53.3%) were also significantly higher (p<0.001). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study which investigated burnout syndrome in physicians during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Turkey as a multicenter study. Determining the preventable risk factors and at-risk groups has a great importance to prevent the negative consequences of burnout.