Introduction: Burnout was already found to be an important factor in the professional landscape of nephrology prior to the COVID-19 outbreak and is expected to worsen during the pandemic.
Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess pandemic experiences, perceptions, and burnout among Polish dialysis unit professionals in the COVID-19 period.
Participants and methods: A survey, which consisted of a Pandemic Experiences and Perceptions Survey (PEPS) and a Maslach Burnout Inventory was distributed online to Polish dialysis units. The study group comprised 379 participants (215 nurses, 148 physicians, and 16 respondents of other professions).
Results: The pandemic largely affected or completely dominated the work of dialysis units according to 53.4% and 25.5% of nurses responding to the PEPS, respectively. Among physicians, the prevalence was 55.5% and 15.4% of participants, respectively. Serious or life-threatening risk was perceived by 72.1% and 11.9% of dialysis healthcare professionals, respectively. Furthermore, 74.6% of the study participants stated that their work in a dialysis setting amidst the pandemic was felt to be associated with serious risk for their relatives. Adequate personal protective equipment and information from management decreased burnout among dialysis staff. Burnout was lower in all dimensions among those participants who felt more in control of their exposure to infection, provided by proper training, equipment, and support (p = 0.0004 for emotional exhaustion, p = 0.0007 for depersonalization, and p < 0.0001 for feelings of personal accomplishment).
Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has largely affected the work in dialysis units. Providing proper training, equipment, and support may decrease burnout among dialysis staff.
Keywords: Burnout; COVID-19; Dialysis units; Pandemic perceptions.
© 2022. The Author(s).