The work and socioeconomic burden of emergency physicians in the COVID-19 pandemic: 2020 Korean Emergency Physician Survey
- Author:
In Hwan YEO
1
;
Mi Jin LEE
;
Tae Jin SIM
;
Hyung Min LEE
;
Kwang Hyun CHO
;
In Byung KIM
;
Yoo Sang YOON
;
Kyung Hye PARK
;
Song Yi PARK
;
Hong Jae KIM
;
Dong Hoon KEY
;
Beom Sok SEO
;
Young Min JOO
;
Chang Gun JEE
;
Suk Jae CHOI
;
Ji Hun KANG
;
Woo Jin JUNG
;
Dae Sung LIM
;
Eu Sun LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
2022;33(4):67-75
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:This study evaluated the anxiety, work, and socioeconomic burden of emergency physicians (EP) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in South Korea.
Methods:A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using data from the 2020 Korean Emergency Physician Survey that included the following domains: hospital resources of suspected COVID-19 patients, availability of personal protective equipment, levels of home and workplace anxiety, the severity of work burnout, identification of stressors, changes in personal environments, and measures to decrease stress/anxiety.
Results:Totally, 855 eligible participants were enrolled in the study. A statistically significant deterioration was observed in response to decreased working income or an unstable employment situation (0.46±0.88 points). The median number of patients with confirmed COVID-19 was 2.72. The risk of infection during emergency department (ED) work was found to be significantly increased (P<0.01). Of the 751 respondents (91.4%) who reported patient contact during their survey phase, 516 (62.8%) reported having taken the COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test. The major factors that affected worsening of the work burden were determined to be unsuitable inter-hospital transfer arrangements for febrile patients (3.46±1.06 before vs. 1.99±1.16 after the pandemic, P<0.01) and delayed consultation for patients with fever or respiratory symptoms in the ED (3.20±1.06 before vs. 2.66±1.10 after the pandemic, P<0.01).
Conclusion:During the peak phase, the COVID-19 pandemic induced substantial workplace and socioeconomic burdens for Korean EPs. The sustained impact of the pandemic on the wellness of EPs deserves further investigation to guide targeted interventions.
