Burnout and perceived health in medical residents after the COVID-19 pandemic: a single-center cross-sectional study - Report - MDSpire

Burnout and perceived health in medical residents after the COVID-19 pandemic: a single-center cross-sectional study

  • By

  • Victoria Olivé

  • Ricard Navinés

  • Laura Pujol

  • Klaus Langohr

  • Eduard Vieta

  • Rocio Martin-Santos

  • June 19, 2026

  • 0 min

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Burnout Levels and Self-Reported Health Among Medical Residents Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

Overview

This study assessed the prevalence of burnout and perceived health among medical residents post-COVID-19, finding that 28% of residents reported burnout.

Background

Burnout among medical residents is a critical issue, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents face unique stressors during their training.

Data Highlights

MetricValue
Prevalence of Burnout28%
Higher Burnout in Surgical Specialtiesp=0.017
Association with Residency Yearsp=0.041
Variation in Perceived Health Explained35%
Mental Health Variation Explained68%
Vitality Variation Explained62%

Key Findings

  • 28% of residents reported post-pandemic burnout.
  • Burnout prevalence was higher in surgical specialties (p=0.017).
  • Increased odds of burnout were associated with role performance, behavior stress, and job satisfaction (p<0.05).
  • Supervision and cognitive stress explained 35% of the variation in perceived general health.
  • Temporary autonomy and job satisfaction contributed to 68% of mental health variation.
  • Pre/post pandemic analysis showed a significant deterioration in work variety sense (p<0.001).

Clinical Implications

The findings highlight the need for targeted health promotion strategies to address burnout among medical residents. Understanding the psychosocial factors contributing to burnout can inform interventions aimed at improving resident well-being.

Conclusion

The study identifies a high prevalence of burnout among medical residents post-pandemic.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. conexiant, Work Hours Not Tied to Resident Burnout, 2026 -- Work Hours Not Tied to Resident Burnout
  3. Surgeons in the UK Experience Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2021 -- Surgeons in the UK Experience Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  4. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- Three years of pandemic stress and staffing challenges: a retrospective qualitative study of COVID-19 impacts on frontline healthcare workers’ mental health and wellbeing
  5. World Health Organization -- Burn-out an occupational phenomenon
  6. American Medical Association, 2026 -- Latest data shows 28.6% burnout rate among resident physicians
  7. JMA Journal, 2026 -- Comparative Efficacy of Interventions for Burnout in Physician Residents: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
  8. Burn-out an occupational phenomenon
  9. Latest data shows 28.6% burnout rate among resident physicians | American Medical Association
  10. Comparative Efficacy of Interventions for Burnout in Physician Residents: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials | JMA Journal

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