Abstract
Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and reported in accordance with these guidelines, using an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic, indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure.
Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% were male, with a median age of 37 years; 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were involved in COVID-19 management; 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist with non-surgical medical practices; and 37.6% were included in COVID-19 management.
Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected, with significant reductions in research volume, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases, hindering training.
Trial registration: The study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov “NCT04433286” on 16/06/2020.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Burnout surgeons, international survey