Longitudinal Assessment of Empathy and Burnout Across a Single Pharmacy Class Cohort

This is a final analysis of longitudinal evaluation of burnout and empathy among a cohort of Doctor of Pharmacy students throughout their 4-year enrollment.

The class of 2021 received sequential Qualtrics (Qualtrics, Provo, UT) surveys containing 2 validated survey instruments, the Jefferson Scale of Empathy and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Surveys were disseminated at the start of the program (PY1_start) and the end of each academic year (PY1_end, PY2, PY3, PY4). Linear mixed models accounting for repeated measures, Generalized Estimating Equation, and Cochran's Q statistic were used to evaluate longitudinal change in the Jefferson Scale of Empathy and Maslach Burnout Inventory survey scores, categorized subscales, and burnout.

Matched survey responses were included for 91 students (85.8% response rate). Across all years, a decrease in empathy and professional efficacy and an increase in exhaustion and cynicism was seen. High categorical levels of exhaustion and cynicism indicated evidence of burnout throughout the program. Year-to-year analysis indicated statistically significant increases in exhaustion and cynicism between PY1_start and all subsequent assessments, a decrease in professional efficacy from PY1_start to PY1_end and PY2, and a decrease in empathy for PY1_start to PY1_end.

Students reported trends of decreasing empathy and professional efficacy, with a simultaneous increase in exhaustion and cynicism. Further evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on these results, as well as additional methods to support overall student wellness, is needed.