Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Hepatology Practice and Provider Burnout.

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had a wide-ranging impact on the clinical practice of medicine and emotional well-being of providers. AIM To determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on practice and burnout among hepatology providers. METHODS We conducted an electronic survey of AASLD members from February to March 2021 who were hepatologists, gastroenterologists, and advanced practice providers (APPs). The survey included 26 questions on clinical practice and emotional well-being derived from validated instruments. RESULTS A total of 230 eligible members completed the survey;107 (47%) were adult transplant hepatologists, 43 (19%) were adult general hepatologists, 14 (6%) were adult gastroenterologists, 11 (5%) were pediatric hepatologists, 45 (19%) were APPs, and 9 (4%) other. 69 (30%) experienced a reduction in compensation, 92 (40%) experienced a reduction in staff and 9 (4%) closed their practice. 100 (43%) respondents reported experiencing burnout. In univariate analysis, burnout was more frequently reported in those <55 years-old, OR=2.2 [95% CI 1.2-4.2], women, OR=2.2 [95%CI 1.3-3.7], nontransplant hepatology OR= 2.0 [95% CI 1.1-3.3], APPs OR=2.7 [95% CI 1.4-5.1], and those less than 10 years in practice OR=1.9 [95 CI 1.1-3.3]. In multivariable analysis only age<55 was associated with burnout OR=2.3 [95% CI 1.1-4.8 ]. The most common ways the respondents suggested the AASLD can help was through virtual platforms for networking, mentoring, and coping with the changes in practice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the clinical practice of hepatology as well as burnout and emotional well-being. Women, APPs and early and mid-career clinicians more frequently reported burnout. Identified strategies to cope with burnout include virtual platforms to facilitate networking and mentoring.