Conducting Physician Engagement Research in a Pandemic: Persevering when Burnout Mitigation Is Needed Most.

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> We planned a pilot study on a physician engagement intervention, termed ECHO-MDA, using the Project ECHO framework. The study was approved and launched just as the COVID pandemic reached Texas. We pivoted to accommodate the realities of research in pandemic times. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The primary outcome was feasibility assessed by the proportion of participants attending at least 9 out of 13 ECHO-MDA sessions. <b><i>Design:</i></b> The study was envisioned as a randomized, wait-list pilot study exploring the impact ECHO-MDA with a planned enrollment of 50 physicians (25 per arm). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Due to pandemic-related challenges, 35 physicians were enrolled. Ten attended nine or more sessions. Participants indicated that the program was beneficial. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Pandemic-related work and personal conditions likely had adverse impacts on enrollment and attendance. Launching professional wellness programs during a global crisis is challenging but can still yield benefits for participants. We offer suggestions for researchers launching professional engagement studies in unexpectedly challenging times.