Objectives: The aim of the present study was to longitudinally evaluate job stress and burnout before and after the third wave of in Japan and identify transitional changes in the mental health status of a cohort of employees at a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-dedicated hospital.
Methods: The same surveys were conducted in October 2020 and March 2021. 151 subjects who responded to both surveys were included. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey was used to evaluate burnout. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine odds ratios for factors associated with burnout using a non-burnout group as a reference.
Results: In the cohort, 31.1% of employees showed dropout intention and 13.2% of employees were experiencing burnout in March 2021. Hospital workers were more motivated by a sense of contribution and accomplishment, which could balance increased exhaustion in March 2021. The following factors associated with burnout remained to be solved: self-quarantine, unfavorable patient prognosis, poor communication of information, lack of sleep in comparison to the pre-COVID-19 period, and desire for good communication of information.
Conclusion: It is important to continuously evaluate the mental health status of employees and to provide targeted prevention and intervention in order to mitigate psychological distress and avoid burnout and resignation.