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Neurological Sciences

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01-03-2022 | COVID-19 | COVID-19

Burnout among neurology residents during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national cross-sectional study

Authors: Christian Wilson R. Turalde, Adrian I. Espiritu, Ian Daniel N. Macinas, Roland Dominic G. Jamora

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 3/2022

Abstract

Background

Neurology residents are particularly vulnerable to burnout because of the novel logistical and clinical challenges brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite its implications, knowledge on burnout and its predictors among neurology residents is lacking. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout among neurology residents during the pandemic, to compare burnout subscale scores and sociodemographic and work characteristics, and to explore residents’ perceptions on how to address burnout.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among all 120 residents from the nine institutions in the Philippines offering neurology residency programs from March to August 2020. We obtained sociodemographic and work characteristics using questionnaire. We measured burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. We performed an inductive thematic analysis to analyze perceptions on how to reduce burnout.

Results

The response rate was 71.67% (86/120). The mean age was 30.1 ± 3.1 years. Using predefined subscale critical boundaries, the prevalence of burnout was 94% (95% CI 89, 99). The lack of compensation and number of on-duty days influenced emotional exhaustion scores. The number of on-duty days influenced depersonalization scores. Thematic analysis revealed five themes: increasing manpower; self-care; reducing clerical tasks; improving work environment; and adequate compensation.

Conclusions

The prevalence of burnout among neurology residents during the COVID-19 pandemic was alarmingly high. Reforms in hiring policies, work-hour management, manpower organization, work environment, and logistics may be considered.

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Title: Burnout among neurology residents during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Christian Wilson R. Turalde
Adrian I. Espiritu
Ian Daniel N. Macinas
Roland Dominic G. Jamora
Publication date: 01-03-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: COVID-19
Burnout Syndrome
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 3/2022
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05675-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Burnout among neurology residents during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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