Impact of moral distress on burn-out: a cross-sectional survey of front-line family physicians during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES

Primary care clinicians are especially prone to burn-out. The primary objective of this study was to investigate factors contributing to burn-out and moral distress and their relationship among practising family physicians (FPs) in California early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study, online survey evaluating burn-out, moral distress and associated factors.

SETTING

California FPs between July and August 2020 practising in community health centres, hospital systems, private clinics and university systems were surveyed with a 22-item online questionnaire.

PARTICIPANTS

FPs practising in California were eligible. The final sample included 218 physicians.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary independent variable was frequency of moral distress and the primary outcome variable was worsening burn-out. Moderator variables included gender and employer support.

RESULTS

FPs experiencing higher burn-out and moral distress were more likely to report concerns regarding personal COVID-19 risk and lack of personal protective equipment. Practising self-care and personal wellness were associated with decreased moral distress. Female physicians were 3.86-fold more likely to report worsening burn-out compared with male physicians. Employer support was associated with a 59% reduced burn-out risk and 54% reduction in frequent moral distress. Frequent moral distress was associated with a 3.12- fold higher burn-out risk. Gender moderated the relationship between moral distress and burn-out. Moral distress was associated with a 3.55-fold increase in burn-out risk among females.

CONCLUSIONS

Female FPs experienced greater levels of moral distress and burn-out than male physicians. Moral distress was differentially associated with increased burn-out among female physicians. Employer support was a protective factor against moral distress and burn-out.