Burnout, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Resident Physicians 18 Months Into the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Burnout among resident physicians has been an area of concern that predates the COVID-19 pandemic. With the significant turmoil during the pandemic, this study examined resident physicians' burnout, depression, anxiety, and stress as well as the benefits of engaging in activities related to wellness, mindfulness, or mental wellbeing. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 298 residents from 13 residency programs sponsored by the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita was conducted in October and November 2021. A 31-item questionnaire measured levels of burnout, depression, anxiety, and stress. A mixed method approach was used to collect, analyze, and interpret the data. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis tests, adjusted odds ratios (aOR), and immersion-crystallization methods were used to analyze the data. Results: There was a 52% response rate, with 65.8% (n = 102) of the respondents reporting manifestations of burnout. Those who reported at least one manifestation of burnout experienced a higher level of emotional exhaustion (aOR = 6.73; 95% CI, 2.66-16.99; p < 0.01), depression (aOR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04-1.41; p = 0.01), anxiety (aOR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.00-1.30; p = 0.04), and stress (aOR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.13-1.64; p < 0.01). Some wellness activities that respondents engaged in included regular physical activities, meditation and yoga, support from family and friends, religious activities, time away from work, and counseling sessions. Conclusions: The findings suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant rate of burnout and other negative mental health effects on resident physicians. Appropriate wellness and mental health support initiatives are needed to help resident physicians thrive in the health care environment.

To Post or Not to Post: Does Applicants' Social Media Affect Family Medicine Resident Recruitment?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Current literature on review of applicant social media (SoMe) content for resident recruitment is scarce. With the recent increase in the use of privacy settings, and the cost of the recruitment process, the aim of this study was to describe the practice and outcomes of review of applicant SoMe in resident recruitment and its association with program director or program characteristics. METHODS: This study was part of the 2020 Council of Academic Family Medicine's Educational Research Alliance (CERA) annual survey of family medicine residency program directors (PDs) in the United States. RESULTS: The overall response rate for the survey was 39.8% (249/626). About 40% of PDs reported reviewing applicant SoMe content. The majority (88.9%) of programs did not inform applicants of their SoMe review practices. The most common findings of SoMe review were that the content raised no concerns (38/94; 40.4%) or was consistent with the application material (34/94; 36.2%). Forty PDs (17.0%) have ever moved an applicant up or down the rank list based on SoMe review. Review of applicant SoMe was not statistically associated with program size, program type, PD age, PD SoMe use, or program SoMe use. CONCLUSIONS: SoMe review has not become routine practice in family medicine resident recruitment. The outcome of SoMe review was mostly consistent with the applicant profile without any concerns and only very few changed the ranking order. This calls for more studies to explore the value of SoMe review for resident selection regarding its effect on future performance.

Comprehensive care of pain: Developing systems and tools to improve patient care and resident education.

Chronic non-cancer pain is a common condition associated with tremendous risk for morbidity and mortality. In many settings, the management of chronic non-cancer pain by primary care providers, although customary, can be difficult due to inadequate training and conflicts between patient expectations and best practices. Resident physicians, faculty, and staff of this family medicine residency program developed a comprehensive chronic pain management program to address these issues while improving patient outcomes. The program was aligned with evidence-based chronic non-cancer pain management strategies yet tailored to the needs of the providers and patients and the strengths of the clinic. In the end, the societal demand for improved chronic non-cancer pain management resulted in a massive curricular and clinical practice overhaul for this residency program.