Burnout syndrome increase during COVID-19 pandemic in attending Internal Medicine physicians

Introduction: Burnout is a psychosocial syndrome caused by stressful situations in the work -place. It affects 30% to 60% of medical professionals. The aim of this study is to carry out a comparative analysis of its frequency before and after the COVID-19 outbreak in Spanish internal medicine attending physicians. Methods: Surveys that included the Maslach Burnout Inventory were sent via email and associa-ted social networks to physicians who were members of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine in 2019 and 2020. Results: A non-significant increase in burnout was observed (38.0% vs. 34.4%). However, an increase in low personal fulfilment was observed (66.4% vs. 33.6%; p = 0.002), a dimension associated with the prevention of psychiatric morbidity, in addition to two others: emotional fatigue and depersonalization, which can negatively affect patient care. Conclusions: It is essential to address this syndrome individually and institutionally. (c) 2023 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. and Sociedad Espanola de Medicina Interna (SEMI). All rights reserved.