University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
Ana I. Velazquez Manana , Carolina Bernabe Ramirez , Coral Olazagasti , Paulo Gustavo Bergerot , Enrique Soto Perez De Celis , Jose Francisco Corona-Cruz , Ivy Riano , Francisca Ramirez , Jesus Del Santo Anampa Mesias , Carmen Cajina , Evelin Mena , Elias Gracia , Alvaro G. Menendez , Raimundo Bezares , Omar Orlando Castillo Fernandez , Liseth Duque Duran , Luis-Alberto Corrales , Cristiane Decat Bergerot , Narjust Duma , Christina Adaniel
Background: The well-being of oncology providers (OP) is in jeopardy with increasing workload, limited resources, and personal challenges that result from the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on work-related (WR) satisfaction and fatigue among OP in Latin America. Methods: We conducted an international cross-sectional online survey of OP practicing in Latin America. The survey was administered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: In August 2020, 704 OP from 20 Latin American countries completed the survey (77% of 913 who started the survey). Table outlines baseline characteristics. Higher frequency of WR fatigue (67% vs. 58%, p=0.010) and exhaustion (81% vs. 70%, p=0.001) were reported by OP who cared for patients with COVID-19, compared to OP who cared for patients without COVID-19. Providers that observed delays in referrals to radiation (p=0.002) and surgery (p=0.04) reported WR fatigue at higher rates than their counterparts. Higher exhaustion (p=0.016) and dissatisfaction (p=0.046) were reported by OP who lacked access to supportive services, as social work. A significantly higher proportion of women reported WR fatigue (72% vs. 56%, p=0.003) and exhaustion (86% vs. 68%, p=0.001), when compared to men. Women were more likely than men to endorse higher current levels of fatigue when compared to pre-COVID-19 (61% vs. 46%, p=0.0001). To reduce stress, women were more likely than men to cut the time spent watching the news (p=0.002). Both genders declined research collaborations and speaking opportunities. Conclusions: Fatigue and dissatisfaction with work-life were prevalent among OP in Latin America. Higher rates of WR fatigue were seen in women, OP caring for patients with COVID-19, and OP with patients who experienced cancer care delays. Our data imply that OP may be a prime target for psychosocial support, particularly as current challenges will continue for the foreseen future. Baseline characteristics (N=704).
N (%) | |
---|---|
Gender Women | 297 (42) |
Specialty Medical Oncology/Hematology-Oncology Hematology Surgical Oncology Radiation Oncology Gynecologic Oncology | 321 (46) 101 (14) 175 (25) 81 (12) 23 (3) |
Practice setting University/Academic Hospital Private Practice | 278 (39) 404 (57) |
Providers caring for patients with COVID-19 | 396 (57) |
Provider satisfaction during COVID-19 Unsatisfied with work-life Unsatisfied with family life | 159 (23) 148 (21) |
Work-related fatigue “I’ve felt exhausted by my work” “I feel fatigued when I wake up in the morning and have to start another day at work” “I feel more fatigued and exhausted than pre-COVID-19” | 535 (76) 442 (63) 369 (53) |
Measures to reduce stress and fatigue Watched less news Decreased clinical load Declined research collaborations Declined speaking opportunities | 359 (51) 177 (25) 69 (10) 115 (16) |
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