Journal Article

Exploring Burnout at the Morgue During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Three-Phase Analysis of Forensic and Pathology Personnel

Mihalache, Cosmin, Cardoș, Roxana, Popa, Marius Florentin, Cristian, Adrian-Nicolae, Atasie, Diter, Oprinca, George-Călin, Bucuță, Mihaela Dana, Cristian, Alina, Morar, Silviu, Oprinca-Muja, Lilioara-Alexandra, Topîrcean, Elena

2025

Overview

Background/Objectives: Burnout is a critical concern among healthcare professionals, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated burnout levels among forensic medicine and pathology personnel at three distinct phases: the early pandemic period (Phase 1—September 2020), the peak of the pandemic (Phase 2—October 2021), and the post-pandemic period (Phase 3—October 2024). Methods: A total of 37 participants employed in forensic medicine and pathology departments completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to assess within-subject differences over time. Normality and sphericity were tested using the Shapiro–Wilk test and Mauchly’s test, with the Greenhouse-Geisser correction. Post hoc Bonferroni-adjusted comparisons identified significant differences, and partial eta squared (η2) was reported for effect sizes. Results: Results showed significant fluctuations in burnout levels across the three phases. Emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment peaked during Phase 2, with slight reductions observed in Phase 3. Gender differences were evident, with females reporting higher EE levels and males exhibiting higher depersonalization across all phases. Marital and parental status also influenced burnout levels, with unmarried individuals and those without children showing higher burnout scores. Medical doctors experienced the highest burnout levels among professional roles, while auxiliary staff showed significant challenges in the PA subscale. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic was pivotal in exacerbating burnout levels due to increased workload, crisis decision-making, and emotional toll. Although the sample size is limited, these findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions to mitigate burnout among forensic and pathology personnel, especially during healthcare emergencies. Gender-based differences in burnout suggest the necessity of specific workplace well-being strategies, while the protective role of family status demonstrates the importance of work-life balance policies. The persistence of psychological distress after a medical crisis calls for long-term monitoring and support programs. There is a need for improved workload distribution, peer support networks, and mental health training to build resilience among forensic and pathology personnel.

• Publisher: MDPI AG,MDPI
• Subject: Autopsies / Burn out (Psychology) / Burnout / COVID-19 / Demographic aspects / Epidemics / Fatalities / Forensic medicine / Forensic pathologists / Health aspects / Influence / Maternity & paternity leaves / Medical personnel / Mental depression / Mental disorders / Mental health / Nosocomial infections / Occupational stress / Pandemics / Pathology / Post traumatic stress disorder / Professionals / Psychological aspects / Questionnaires / Resilience (Psychology) / Risk factors / Romania / Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 / Workloads