Occupational and Personal Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on US Oncologist Burnout and Well-Being: A Study From the ASCO Clinician Well-Being Task Force

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global crisis profoundly affecting oncology care delivery. PURPOSE: This study will describe the occupational and personal consequences of on oncologist well-being patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four virtual focus groups were conducted with US ASCO member oncologists (September-November 2020). Inquiry subsequent discussions centered self-reported accounts professional experiences well-being, recommendations for interventions that cancer organization societies (ASCO) might implement explored. Qualitative interviews analyzed using Framework Analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-five interviewed: median age 44 years (range: 35-69 years), 52% female, racial or ethnic minority, 76% medical oncologists, 64% married, average 51.5 patients seen per week 20-120). Five thematic emerged: (1) impact pre-COVID-19 burnout, (2) limitations adaptations, (3) implications, (4) concern future workforce, (5) physician interventions. Underlying burnout exacerbated stressors associated disruptions in care, education, research, financial practice health, telemedicine. Many feared delays screening, diagnosis, treatment. Oncologists noted familial related to exposure fears loss social support. participants strongly considered working part-time taking early retirement. Yet, opportunities arose facilitate growth rise above adversity, fostering greater resilience. Recommendations organizational included psychologic peer support resources, flexible time-off, state involvement develop guidelines, mental health advocacy. CONCLUSION: Our suggests has adversely affected fulfillment, workforce. It illuminates where organizations could play a significant role well-being.