While it may seem to many that the pandemic is nearly over, disablement and death still cast shadows over our hospitals. Staff lounges are quieter too, as colleagues recall resignations, long-term sicknesses and even deaths. Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy CIDRAP says high COVID burnout continues. We investigate this further here.
Two Thirds of Medical Staff Have COVID Burnout
CIDRAP relayed the results of a medical study in Journal of Emergency Medicine, May 27, 2022 edition. The report reveals that two years into the pandemic, COVID burnout is still alarmingly common among critical care staff. Burnout is a symptom of physical and mental exhaustion from chronic workplace stress.
European Society for Emergency Medicine surveyed 1,925 emergency-medicine workers in January and February 2022. Of these 84% were physicians, 12% nurses, and 2% paramedics.
A deeply concerning 62% of these exceptional people reported burnout as follows:
- 47% were experiencing high levels of depersonalization
- 46% were feeling overcome by emotional exhaustion
- The effect was greater among women at 64% versus 59% for men
- Nurses reported experiencing 73% burnout compared to 60% doctors
Medical professionals generally report high levels of work satisfaction from helping other people. However, in this instance, a lower 48% reported feelings of personal accomplishment.
Root Causes of Physical and Mental Exhaustion
The report suggests the pandemic “exacerbated long-term problems with under-staffing, limited resources, hospital overcrowding, and lack of recognition”. Moreover, it overlaid these with “fear of infection and the need to frequently don and doff personal protective equipment”.
We imagine watching unvaccinated people die debilitating deaths must add to this burden. European Society for Emergency Medicine president Abdo Khoury says affected medical personnel deserve professional clinical evaluation and support. However, a scant 41% of those in the survey had access to this, either face to face or at a distance.
Breaking News
How Monkeypox Virus Is Different from COVID
Impaired Heart Function with Severe COVID-19
Preview Image: Reward Should Balance Effort
