Burnout is recognized as a major occupational health syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and diminished sense of achievement from the chronic exposure to stressors in the workplace. It may also have organizational consequences such as absenteeism, job dissatisfaction, interpersonal strain, reduced job performance and, in healthcare settings, poor quality of care or impaired patient safety. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been increased interest in exploring workforce burnout, however, few studies have attempted to explore burnout among the Canadian public health workforce.
This Rounds presents the results of a 2023 national survey on burnout in Canadian public health workers. Presenters will describe the prevalence of burnout among the Canadian public health workforce after three years of the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with work-related factors, along with the association of burnout with the intention to leave public health or retire early during the pandemic.
Intended audience: Public health system leaders (e.g., MOHs, AMOHs, PHU Directors), public health staff, researchers, and public health HR staff.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the prevalence of burnout in the Canadian public health workforce
- Identify factors that are associated with burnout in the Canadian public health workforce
- Discuss potential next steps that can address public health workforce burnout in their own public health practice
Presenter(s): Dr. Jessica Hopkins, Dr. David Edward-Ooi Poon, Japteg Singh
Dr. Jessica Hopkins, MD, MHSc, is a public health and preventive medicine physician with extensive local and provincial public health experience. She is the Chief Health Protection and Emergency Preparedness Officer at Public Health Ontario where she leads a multi-disciplinary team in synthesizing data and evidence to provide advice to decision-makers on public health and infection control programs and policies. Dr. Hopkins previously worked as the Medical Officer of Health for Peel Region, and Associate Medical Officer of Health in Hamilton and Niagara Region. She works as a family doctor and is an Assistant Professor (part-time) with the Department of Health Research Methods, Epidemiology, and Impact, McMaster University, and Adjunct Lecturer and member of the Institute for Pandemics with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto.
Dr. David Edward-Ooi Poon, MD, MPH, is a public health and preventive medicine physician and General Practitioner psychotherapist. He works at the intersection of mental health and public health, focusing on addictions, trauma, and mood disorders. In addition to his clinical psychotherapy work in Toronto, he is the Medical Health Officer of Northern Medical Services in Saskatchewan. He is currently completing a masters in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy at the Oxford University.
Japteg Singh, MPH, MSc, is currently an Epidemiologist at Niagara Region Public Health.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.
Accreditation
Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.
PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
Accessibility
Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
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