Trends in Pediatric Clinician Wellbeing During and Immediately After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare professionals' wellbeing.
• Pediatric primary care clinicians (PCCs) faced unique challenges during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess burnout and wellbeing among PCCs at the pandemic's onset.
• To identify risk factors for burnout in this population.
• To inform interventions for clinician support.

Main Methods:

• A confidential electronic survey was administered annually to PCCs starting in 2020.
• The survey collected data on wellbeing and demographics.

Main Results:

• Burnout levels peaked among PCCs in 2021.
• Burnout subsequently declined annually as the pandemic subsided.
• PCCs in independent private practices reported peak burnout in 2021, with improvements thereafter.

Conclusions:

• The peak in PCC burnout was directly associated with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• There is a need for proactive interventions to address burnout in pediatric PCCs during public health crises.