Research engagement by British early-career practitioners in nephrology: a multidisciplinary survey.

OBJECTIVES: To establish barriers and motivators underlying research engagement among early-career practitioners in nephrology across the UK, in order to guide potential interventions to enhance research involvement in renal units. DESIGN: Cross-sectional online survey employing a range of free-text, Likert scale and binomial/multiple-choice responses, distributed via mailing lists and social media. Topics covered research experience, research involvement and barriers, impact of COVID-19 and strategies to improve research engagement. Thematic analysis was used to assess free-text responses. SETTING: Renal units throughout the UK. PARTICIPANTS: Non-consultant healthcare staff self-identifying as working in nephrology were included (n=211), with responses from non-UK respondents or consultant nephrologists excluded (n=12). RESULTS: Responses were received from across the multidisciplinary team (physicians (n=83) and nurses (n=83)) and other allied health professionals (n=45). Most were aware of ongoing local research, but under half of them were actively involved. Multivariate analysis indicated employment as a physician, protected time for research activity and provision of appropriate training were associated with greater research experience and output. There was general enthusiasm to undertake research, but perceived barriers included insufficient staffing, lack of time, funding and encouragement. COVID-19 was felt to have further impacted negatively upon opportunities. Among the suggested strategies to promote engagement, mentorship and an online research resource were felt to be of most interest. CONCLUSIONS: In the first survey of this type in nephrology, we demonstrate differences across the multidisciplinary spectrum in perceived research experience and accessibility, which have been worsened by COVID-19. Our findings will guide strategies to broaden engagement in early-career practitioners and serve as a baseline to assess the impact of these interventions.

Burnout and long COVID among the UK nephrology workforce: results from a national survey investigating the impact of COVID-19 on working lives.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is placing a significant strain on healthcare. We conducted a national survey of the UK nephrology workforce to understand its impacts on their working lives. METHODS: An online questionnaire incorporating the Maslach Burnout Inventory score was distributed between 31 March and 1 May 2021, with a focus on COVID-19 and long COVID incidence, vaccine uptake, burnout and working patterns. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively; multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations. RESULTS: A total of 423 responses were received. Of them, 29% had contracted COVID-19, which was more common among doctors and nurses {odds ratio [OR] 2.18 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-4.22]} and those <55 years of age [OR 2.60 (95% CI 1.38-4.90)]. Of those who contracted COVID-19, 36% had symptoms of long COVID, which was more common among ethnicities other than White British [OR 2.57 (95% CI 1.09-6.05)]. A total of 57% had evidence of burnout, which was more common among younger respondents [OR 1.92 (95% CI 1.10-3.35)] and those with long COVID [OR 10.31 (95% CI 1.32-80.70)], and 59% with reconfigured job plans continued to work more hours. More of those working full-time wished to retire early. A total of 59% experienced remote working, with a majority preference for continuing this in the future. In terms of vaccination, 95% had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 86% had received two doses by May 2021. CONCLUSIONS: Burnout and long COVID is prevalent with impacts on working lives. Some groups are more at risk. Vaccination uptake is high and remote and flexible working were well received. Institutional interventions are needed to prevent workforce attrition.

Burnout and long COVID among the UK nephrology workforce: results from a national survey investigating the impact of COVID-19 on working lives

Background The COVID-19 pandemic is placing a significant strain on healthcare. We conducted a national survey of the UK nephrology workforce to understand its impacts on their working lives. Methods An online questionnaire incorporating the Maslach Burnout Inventory Score was distributed between 31st March and 1st May 2021, with a focus on COVID-19 and long COVID incidence, vaccine uptake, burnout, and working patterns. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively;multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations. Results 423 responses were received. 29% had contracted COVID-19, more common among doctors and nurses (OR 2.18, 95%CI 1.13–4.22), and those under the age of 55 (OR 2.60, 95%CI 1.38–4.90). 36% of those who contracted COVID-19 had symptoms of long COVID, more common among ethnicities other than White British (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.09–6.05). 57% had evidence of burnout, more common amongst younger respondents (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.10–3.35) and those with long COVID (OR 10.31, 95% CI 1.32–80.70). 59% with reconfigured job plans continue to work more hours. More of those working full-time wished to retire early. 59% experienced remote working, with a majority preference to continue this in the future. 95% had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine;86% had received two doses by May 2021. Conclusions Burnout and long COVID is prevalent with impacts on working lives. Some groups more at risk. Vaccination uptake is high, and remote and flexible working were well received. Institutional interventions are needed to prevent workforce attrition.

Resuming Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation in the COVID-19 Era: What Do Patients Want?

BACKGROUND: The rapidly evolving novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic bought many kidney transplant (KT) programs to a halt. Integral to resuming KT activity is understanding the perspectives of potential transplant candidates during this highly dynamic time. METHODS: From June 1 to July 7, 2020, a telephone survey of KT candidates on the deceased donor waiting list at Imperial College Renal and Transplant Centre in West London was conducted. The survey captured ongoing COVID-19 exposure risks and patients' views on waitlist (WL) reactivation and undergoing transplantation. RESULTS: Two hundred seven responses were received. Of the respondents, 180 patients (87%) were happy to be reactivated onto the WL; with 141 patients (68%) willing to give consent to transplantation currently, while 53 patients (26%) felt unsure, and 13 patients (6%) would decline a KT. The vast majority of patients had no concerns. In the responses from those who were uncertain or who would decline a KT, concerns about COVID-19 infection and the need for reassurance from transplant units dominated. Universally patients wanted more information about COVID-19 infection risk with KT and the precautions being taken to reduce this risk. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of surveyed patients are in favor of reactivation and receiving a KT despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Reactivation of candidates cannot be assumed and should take an individualized approach, incorporating clinical risk with patient perspectives. Improved communication with KT candidates is highly requested.