Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Prevalence of Burnout among Residents in Orthopedics

Objective The primary objective of the present study is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of burnout syndrome among residents in orthopedic surgery. As a secondary objective, characteristics associated with the risk of developing the severe form of the syndrome were assessed. Method In the present cross-sectional study, graduating orthopedic residents were evaluated before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical students formed a control group. The participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and the Brazilian validated version of the 36-item short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-36). Fifty-two residents were appraised before the pandemic and 19 during the pandemic. Results Forty-four (84.6%) residents fulfilled the criteria for burnout syndrome, and the severe form of the syndrome was present in 16 (30.7%). There was no significant change in the evaluated scores after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was also no increase in the prevalence of burnout syndrome or of the severe form of the syndrome. A negative correlation was observed between SF-36 items and the development of the severe form of burnout syndrome. Conclusion The prevalence of burnout syndrome and of the severe form of the disease was very high among residents in orthopedic surgery. The COVID-19 outbreak does not increase burnout in the residents.