Expansion of a Pathology Resident Wellness Initiative Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

Background: The focus on physician wellness and burnout continues to build in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pre- COVID rate of burnout among pathology residents was reported to be approximately 46-52%, but there is little data on this group during the period of COVID-19. Amongst residents as a whole, the burnout rate during the COVID-19 pandemic is about 50%, with 69% of young healthcare workers (ages 18-29) reporting burnout. In addition to the limitations on direct social interaction, uncertainty pertaining to redeployment, risk of exposure to COVID-19, and future job security has added to the challenge of maintaining resident well-being during the pandemic. Design: An established Pathology Resident Wellness Initiative program at a large academic institution was expanded to address the well-being needs of pathology residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. With oversight from senior residents and department leaders, the Pathology Wellness Committee (PWC) planned both virtual and socially distanced in-person events to foster resident wellness while complying with safety guidelines. An annual Wellness Survey was modified in 2020 to assess resident well-being during the pandemic. Results: In compliance with COVID-19 safety guidelines, the PWC creatively designed social events including virtual yoga classes, an outdoor photo scavenger hunt, wellness hikes, holiday events, and periodically provided individually packaged meals and baked goods for residents. The Wellness Survey distributed during the pandemic revealed that 76% of residents felt satisfied or very satisfied with their relationships with coworkers, friends, and family despite social distancing guidelines. There was no significant change in the amount of residents who reported feeling cheerful (p=0.38), fulfilled (p=1.00), or appreciated (p=0.38) more than half of the time compared to pre-COVID results. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic created many unique challenges for maintaining wellness during residency, including for pathology trainees. With expansion of an existing pathology resident Wellness Initiative, our Wellness Committee was able to creatively and safely continue to promote wellness objectives and adapt to the challenge of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.