Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Obstetricians/Gynecologists

Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes. 2021 Dec;5(6):1128-1137. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2021.11.002. Epub 2021 Nov 10.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs).

Participants and methods: A 49-item survey was distributed to OB/GYNs through the websites and electronic mailing lists of professional OB/GYN organizations. The survey was open from June 22, 2020, through November 22, 2020. Of the 122 initiated surveys, 89 were completed (73.0% completion rate); 72 respondents answered at least one open-ended question and were included for qualitative analysis.

Results: Respondents reported policy changes, limited personal protective equipment availability, patient compliance with safety protocols and personal protective equipment use, staff shortages, and concerns about COVID-19 exposure as primary stressors related to the pandemic. Respondents felt that the pandemic had a negative professional impact on their relationships with patients and colleagues. Workplace and pandemic stressors resulted in feelings of anxiety and frustration; physical effects were also reported. Some respondents indicated that they were considering early retirement or leaving the profession as a result of the pandemic, which suggests that OB/GYNs may be at increased risk for burnout.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic will have important long-term effects on OB/GYN well-being and workforce retention. Proactive support for OB/GYNs is needed to combat burnout and counteract workforce attrition. Implementing peer support programs that promote healthy emotional processing following adverse events may mitigate these feelings and reduce OB/GYN burnout.

Keywords: COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; OB/GYN, obstetrician/gynecologist; PPE, personal protective equipment; SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.