Changes in Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Integration in Physicians During the First 2 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration (WLI) in US physicians at the end of 2021, roughly 21 months into the COVID-19 pandemic, with comparison to 2020, 2017, 2014, and 2011.

Methods

Between December 9, 2021, and January 24, 2022, we surveyed US physicians using methods similar to those of our prior studies. Burnout, WLI, depression, and professional fulfillment were assessed with standard instruments.

Results

There were 2440 physicians who participated in the 2021 survey. Mean emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores were higher in 2021 than those observed in 2020, 2017, 2014, and 2011 (all P<.001). Mean emotional exhaustion scores increased 38.6% (2020 mean, 21.0; 2021 mean, 29.1; P<.001), whereas mean depersonalization scores increased 60.7% (2020 mean, 6.1; 2021 mean, 9.8; P<.001). Overall, 62.8% of physicians had at least 1 manifestation of burnout in 2021 compared with 38.2% in 2020, 43.9% in 2017, 54.4% in 2014, and 45.5% in 2011 (all P<.001). Although these trends were consistent across nearly all specialties, substantial variability by specialty was observed. Satisfaction with WLI declined from 46.1% in 2020 to 30.2% in 2021 (P<.001). Mean scores for depression increased 6.1% (2020 mean, 49.54; 2021 mean, 52.59; P<.001).

Conclusion

A dramatic increase in burnout and decrease in satisfaction with WLI occurred in US physicians between 2020 and 2021. Differences in mean depression scores were modest, suggesting that the increase in physician distress was overwhelmingly work related. Given the association of physician burnout with quality of care, turnover, and reductions in work effort, these findings have profound implications for the US health care system.