The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on gastroenterologists in Southeast Asia: A mixed-methods study

Ong, John and Ong, Andrew Ming Liang and Ong, Sharon and Xin, Xiaohui and Lee, Yeong Yeh and Pausawasdi, Nonthalee and De Lusong, Mark Anthony and Makmun, Dadang and Chong, Vui Heng and Ho, Shiaw Hooi and Lim, Wanyen and Ong, David and Dan, Yock Young and Khor, Christopher (2021) The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on gastroenterologists in Southeast Asia: A mixed-methods study. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 36 (11). pp. 3056-3068. ISSN 0815-9319, DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/jgh.15594.

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Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has impacted gastroenterology practices worldwide; however, its protracted effects within Southeast Asia were unknown. The primary aim of the study was to determine the impact of the pandemic on clinical demands including burnout among gastroenterologists within the region. The secondary aim was to identify risk factors for burnout and determine regional stressors. Methods This was a mixed-methods study. Gastroenterologists were surveyed electronically between September 1 and December 7, 2020, via gastroenterology and endoscopy societies of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) was used to detect burnout. Quantitative data were non-parametric; non-parametric methods were used for statistical comparisons. Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for burnout. Content analysis method was used to analyze qualitative data. Ethical approval was obtained. Results A total of 73.0% reported that they were still significantly affected by the pandemic. Of these, 40.5% reported increased workload and 59.5% decreased workload. Statistically significant differences in weekly working hours, endoscopy, and inpatient volumes were present. No differences were observed in outpatient volumes, likely because of telemedicine. Burnout was common; however, 50.1% of gastroenterologists were unaware of or did not have access to mental health support. This, as well as depression, being a trainee, and public sector work, increased burnout risk significantly. Conclusion The effects of the pandemic are multifaceted, and burnout is common among Southeast Asian gastroenterologists. Safeguards for mental health are suboptimal, and improvements are urgently needed.

Item Type: Article
Funders: JGH Foundation, W.D. Armstrong doctoral research training fellowship at the University of Cambridge, National University of Singapore
Uncontrolled Keywords: Burnout;COVID-19;Gastroenterologists;Gastroenterology; Pandemic
Subjects: R Medicine
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
Divisions: Faculty of Medicine
Depositing User: Ms Zaharah Ramly
Date Deposited: 15 Sep 2022 03:55
Last Modified: 15 Sep 2022 03:55
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/34552

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