A joint poll from ACEP and Morning Consult was conducted between October 7-October 13, 2020 among a national sample of 862 emergency physicians to assess the causes of stress and burnout among emergency physicians since the start of the pandemic. The poll finds that despite the growing toll that serving on the frontlines of COVID-19 is having on emergency physicians, many are hesitant to seek mental health treatment. The poll finds that almost nine in 10 (87%) emergency physicians say they are more stressed since the start of COVID-19. Additionally, 72% report experiencing more professional burnout. As for the causes of their stress or burnout, four in five emergency physicians cite concerns about family, friends and personal health, while three in five cite job or financial security concerns and lack of personal protective equipment. Despite the availability of services, nearly half (45%) of emergency physicians are not comfortable seeking mental health treatment. The poll shows that stigma in the workplace (73%) and fear of professional reprisal (57%) are the primary barriers preventing emergency physicians from getting the mental health care they need. As a result, more than a quarter (27%) of emergency physicians have avoided seeking mental health treatment out of concern for their job.
