NURSE AND PHYSICIAN BURNOUT AND DISTRESS: COMPARISON OF ONCOLOGY AND CARDIOVASCULAR PROGRAMS AT A CANADIAN QUATERNARY HOSPITAL NETWORK

ABSTRACT

Introduction Clinician burnout and distress are pervasive and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the drivers may vary by provider discipline and care setting. We surveyed the wellbeing of nurses and physicians in oncology and cardiovascular programs at a Canadian hospital network. Methods Nurses (n=261) and physicians (n=167) completed measures of the WellBeing Index to assess distress levels and rated perceived workplace fairness, staffing levels, professional satisfaction and impact of COVID-19 on work and personal life. Associations between high distress and outcomes of interest were explored using chi-squared tests and in multivariable models. Results Of 428 participating clinicians, 82% of nurses and 62% of physicians reported high distress with no significant differences between programs. High distress in nurses was linked to impact of COVID-19 on personal life [OR=4.4 (1.8-10.6), p=0.001], and in physicians, insufficient staffing [OR=3.7 (1.6-8.7), p=0.003], professional dissatisfaction [OR=5.4 (1.4- 21.8), p=0.017], and impact of COVID-19 on work [OR=3.9 (1.5-10.3), p=0.006]. High distress in oncology and cardiovascular nurses was linked to unfair treatment [OR=4.9 (1.1-23.0), p=0.042], and impact of COVID19 on work [OR=4.0 (1.1-14.2, p=0.035], respectively. Conclusions High distress is common in nurses and physicians in oncology and cardiovascular programs but drivers vary by clinician discipline and care setting. Multifaceted approaches to mitigate burnout and distress may improve clinician wellbeing.