Burnout among healthcare workers during a persistent crisis: A case-control study from the Covid-19 pandemic

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate if high levels of burnout symptoms during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic led to high burnout and depressive symptoms up to a year later, and if participation in psychological support initiatives was related to lower levels of burnout or depressive symptoms across the first year of the pandemic. Methods: A longitudinal case-control study followed 581 healthcare workers from two Swedish hospitals. Survey data were collected with a baseline in May 2020 and three follow-up assessments until September 2021. The case group were participants reporting high burnout symptoms at baseline. Logistic regression analyses were performed separately at three follow-ups with case/control group assignment as the main predictor and burnout and depression symptoms as outcomes, controlling for frontline work, changes in work tasks, and participation in psychological support. Results: One out of five healthcare workers reported high burnout symptoms at baseline. The case group was more likely to have high burnout and depression symptoms at all follow-ups. Participation in psychological support was not related to decreased burnout and depressive symptoms at any of the follow-ups. Conclusion: Burnout symptoms early in the pandemic predicted both high burnout and depressive symptoms later in the crisis. During a persistent crisis when job demands are high, healthcare organizations should be mindful of psychological reactions among staff and who they place in frontline work early in the crisis.