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. 2021 Jul;17(7):e427-e438.
doi: 10.1200/OP.21.00147. Epub 2021 Jun 21.

Occupational and Personal Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on US Oncologist Burnout and Well-Being: A Study From the ASCO Clinician Well-Being Task Force

Fay J Hlubocky  1 , Anthony L Back  2 , Tait D Shanafelt  3 , Colleen M Gallagher  4   5 , John M Burke  6 , Arif H Kamal  7 , Judith A Paice  8 , Ray D Page  9 , Rebecca Spence  10 , Molly McGinnis  10 , Daniel C McFarland  11 , Piyush Srivastava  12
Affiliations

Occupational and Personal Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on US Oncologist Burnout and Well-Being: A Study From the ASCO Clinician Well-Being Task Force

Fay J Hlubocky et al. JCO Oncol Pract. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global crisis profoundly affecting oncology care delivery.

Purpose: This study will describe the occupational and personal consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncologist well-being and patient care.

Materials and methods: Four virtual focus groups were conducted with US ASCO member oncologists (September-November 2020). Inquiry and subsequent discussions centered on self-reported accounts of professional and personal COVID-19 experiences affecting well-being, and oncologist recommendations for well-being interventions that the cancer organization and professional societies (ASCO) might implement were explored. Qualitative interviews were analyzed using Framework Analysis.

Results: Twenty-five oncologists were interviewed: median age 44 years (range: 35-69 years), 52% female, 52% racial or ethnic minority, 76% medical oncologists, 64% married, and an average of 51.5 patients seen per week (range: 20-120). Five thematic consequences emerged: (1) impact of pre-COVID-19 burnout, (2) occupational or professional limitations and adaptations, (3) personal implications, (4) concern for the future of cancer care and the workforce, and (5) recommendations for physician well-being interventions. Underlying oncologist burnout exacerbated stressors associated with disruptions in care, education, research, financial practice health, and telemedicine. Many feared delays in cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Oncologists noted personal and familial stressors related to COVID-19 exposure fears and loss of social support. Many participants strongly considered working part-time or taking early retirement. Yet, opportunities arose to facilitate personal growth and rise above pandemic adversity, fostering greater resilience. Recommendations for organizational well-being interventions included psychologic or peer support resources, flexible time-off, and ASCO and state oncology societies involvement to develop care guidelines, well-being resources, and mental health advocacy.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected oncologist burnout, fulfillment, practice health, cancer care, and workforce. It illuminates where professional organizations could play a significant role in oncologist well-being.

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Conflict of interest statement

Tait D. ShanafeltHonoraria: Multiple Healthcare organizationsResearch Funding: Pharmacyclics, GlaxoSmithKline, Genentech, Celgene, Hospira, Cephalon, Polyphenon E InternationalPatents, Royalties, Other Intellectual Property: Dr Shanafelt is coinventor of the Well-being Index Instruments (Physician Well-being Index, Nurse Well-being Index, Medical Student Well-being Index, and Well-being Index) and the Mayo Clinic Participatory Management Leadership Index. Mayo Clinic holds the copyright to these instruments and has licensed them for use outside Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic pays, and Dr Shanafelt receives a portion of any royalties it receivesOther Relationship: Medical CentersOpen Payments Link: https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov/physician/429217 John M. BurkeConsulting or Advisory Role: Genentech/Roche, AbbVie, Seattle Genetics, Bayer, AstraZeneca, Adaptive Biotechnologies, Verastem, MorphoSys, Kura Oncology, Epizyme, BeiGene, Kymera, NovartisSpeakers' Bureau: Seattle Genetics, Beigene Arif H. KamalEmployment: Prepped Health, Acclivity Health, Private Diagnostic ClinicLeadership: Prepped Health, Acclivity HealthStock and Other Ownership Interests: Acclivity HealthConsulting or Advisory Role: Medtronic, Huron Therapeutics, New Century Health, Compassus, AstraZeneca, Janssen Oncology, United Health Group, Care4wardTravel, Accommodations, Expenses: Janssen Oncology Ray D. PageEmployment: The Center for Cancer and Blood DisordersHonoraria: Cardinal HealthConsulting or Advisory Role: AstraZeneca, Tesaro, Amgen, Roche, Quality Cancer Care AllianceResearch Funding: E.R. Squibb Sons, LLC, Gilead Sciences, Takeda, AstraZeneca, Genentech, Roche, Janssen, Celgene, LillyTravel, Accommodations, Expenses: Amgen, Taiho Pharmaceutical, TakedaOpen Payments Link: https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov/physician/166358/summaryNo other potential conflicts of interest were reported.

Comment in

  • Finding Our Way Out of Burnout.
    Epstein RM, Privitera MR. Epstein RM, et al. JCO Oncol Pract. 2021 Jul;17(7):375-377. doi: 10.1200/OP.21.00233. Epub 2021 Jun 21. JCO Oncol Pract. 2021. PMID: 34152836 No abstract available.

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