COVID-19 and Physician Assistant Faculty Burnout: A Year into the Pandemic.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The psychological effects of COVID-19 have been extensive and have affected health care workers and educators alike. The aims of this study were to evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted PA faculty and their attitudes toward work. METHODS: Two quantitative, pre/post surveys were offered to 21 PA faculty at one institution prior to and then one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. PA faculty perceptions of workplace culture and burnout were included in the online surveys. RESULTS: Data were collected on 17 PA faculty (81% response rate). There was a statistically nonsignificant decrease in faculty disengagement (2.1 v 2.1, p = 0.87) and a statistically significant increase in faculty exhaustion (2.2 v 2.5, p = 0.005). There were statistically significant increases in communication, value, job satisfaction, and wellbeing workplace items. CONCLUSION: As many workplace protocols remain changed as a result of COVID-19, institutions should monitor and adjust processes to reduce the risk of burnout for faculty.