Burnout among Obstetrics and Gynaecology Consultants and Senior Medical Officers at Teaching Hospitals for the University of the Witwatersrand in the time of COVID-19

Abstract

Background: There is limited data regarding impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of burnout among consultants and senior medical officers in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. There is an increasing prevalence of burnout among healthcare professionals and an increasing awareness regarding its risk factors and need for intervention. Understanding these risk factors could ensure better support for health care providers in future pandemics and outbreaks. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of burnout among consultants and senior medical officers in the department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology during the COVID-19 pandemic. To identify the associated risk factors. Methods: A quantitative, analytical cross-sectional study conducted by means of an electronic survey. A convenience sample was used of all consultants and senior medical officers (66) in all the teaching hospitals affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand during the period April to May 2022. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to evaluate burnout. The domains included depersonalisation, emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment. Results: There was a 65% response rate. Fifty- two percent of the participants felt that their level of burnout was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This feeling was significantly associated with a feeling of having a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). Increased feelings of burnout were significantly associated with white race. Conclusion: Burnout among consultants and senior medical officers was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This finding was significantly associated with the feeling of lack of PPE. Therefore, providing adequate PPE in future for infection control practices can protect the mental health of healthcare workers.