Abstract: PUB059
COVID-19 Financial Ramifications on the Pediatric Nephrology Workforce
Session Information
Category: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- 000 Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Authors
- Weidemann, Darcy K., Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
- Redpath, Allison C., University of Wisconsin System, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
- Ashoor, Isa, LSU Health New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Background
The adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on state and federal budgets, coupled with widespread lockdown measures, and reduced non-COVID-19 clinical volume has forced healthcare and academic organizations to adapt to declining revenues. We examined the financial ramifications of the pandemic on the pediatric nephrology workforce.
Methods
Online survey distributed to active members of the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (n=897) over 2 weeks in May 2020.
Results
Response rate was 16% (n=144). Most respondents (34%) were 35-44 years old, followed by 45-54 years old (24%). Most were White (65%) followed by Asians (24%). Respondents resided in the South (31%) followed by the Northeast (29%) and Midwest (22%). Most were faculty (92%) in early career stage (Assistant Professor, 31%), affiliated with a free-standing children’s hospital (55%) or a children’s hospital within an adult hospital (36%), working full time (79%) with an average of 60% effort dedicated to clinical activities. Most acknowledged feeling worried about the long-term financial ramifications of COVID-19 on their employer (88%) and their own financial future (75%). Figure 1 summarizes the financial repercussions reported. The majority (47%) were unclear whether they will be expected to assume increased clinical duties once stay-at-home orders are lifted, however, 44% reported new childcare or eldercare responsibilities.
Conclusion
Overwhelming concern regarding employee and employer financial security exists among practicing pediatric nephrologists in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Uncertainty, institutional hiring freezes, compensation reduction, and increased duties in one’s personal life all pose additional threats to a specialty with an already looming workforce shortage. Comprehensive strategies to prevent attrition and burnout are required to sustain the pediatric nephrology workforce during recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.