Third global survey of the ESMO Resilience Task Force

Risk of poor wellbeing/distress and feeling burned out for oncology professionals has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, results from the third global survey of the ESMO Resilience Task Force show.

From 9 February to 3 March 2021, the ESMO Resilience Task Force did a third global survey on the wellbeing and professional performance of oncology professionals. Dr Jonathan Lim (Imperial College London, UK) presented the results [1]. A total of 1,269 participants responded to the survey (54% aged >40 years, 55% female, 69% white ethnicity, 51% general hospital, 37% cancer centre, 73% medical oncologist, 22% trainees).

Compared with the first (April-May 2020, n=1,520) and second survey (July-August 2020, n=942), scores for risk of poor wellbeing/distress (40%), and feeling burned out (56%) were increased in the third survey. However, job performance score improved since the first survey (see Figure). In particular, young participants (≤40 years) and female participants appeared at significantly higher risk of poor wellbeing/distress (49% and 45%, respectively) and feeling burned out (61% and 63%, respectively). In addition, job demands had steadily increased. Significant increases were reported in feeling overwhelmed with workload, COVID-19-related clinical and research work, out-of-hours work, shift work, and overall working hours, and inadequate time for personal/family life. There were also concerns about the negative impact of the pandemic on career development/training, job security, and international fellowship opportunities. Overall, less than half of the participants felt supported by their work management, professional societies or government, and/or had access to wellbeing support services. One in four participants were considering changing their future career.

Figure: Comparison of survey results over time during the COVID-19 pandemic [1]



“There is a real threat of potential attrition in the current workforce. National and international stakeholders must act together to ensure robust recovery plans as we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis,” concluded Dr Lim.

1. Lim J, et al. The future of the oncology workforce since COVID-19: Results of the ESMO Resilience Task Force survey series. Abstract 1561O, ESMO Congress 2021, 16–21 September.

 

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Posted on 19 November 2021