Pandemic fatigue among trainee doctors during the Covid-19 pandemic: the mediating role of resilience

Purpose This study aims to examine the influence of pandemic fatigue on trainee doctors’ mental health, with resilience as a mediator. Design/methodology/approach This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving frontline trainee doctors from Tunisia. The Pandemic Fatigue Questionnaire, Brief resilience scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory and Satisfaction on call duty scale were used to collect data through an online survey. Findings A total of 261 trainee doctors responded to the online survey. The mean pandemic fatigue score was 25.09 (out of 50). Terminal years of residency experience (ß = 0.171, p = 0.005), being vaccinated (ß = 0.129, p = 0.032) and staff inadequacy (ß = 0.205, p = 0.001) were associated with elevated score of pandemic fatigue. Resilience partially mediated the relationships between (a) pandemic fatigue and different dimensions of burnout (emotional exhaustion (ß = 0.337, p < 0.0001), depersonalization (ß = 0.311, p < 0.0001) and personal accomplishment (ß = 0.185, p = 0.004) and (b) pandemic fatigue and satisfaction on call duty (ß = −0.137, p = 0.03). Research limitations/implications First, the trainee doctors included in this study were located in one geographical area of the Tunisia. Therefore, future studies that involve physicians from other areas of the country may provide more generalizable results. And finally, the use of self-report scales may potentially cause response bias. Practical implications This paper believes that medical trainees warrant special attention due to their unique position at the intersection of education and clinical responsibilities. Their dual role as learners and frontline healthcare providers places them under significant psychological and professional strain, making them a highly relevant group for assessing pandemic fatigue. Originality/value Our intention is to encourage trainee doctors to speak freely about the stressors they are facing and to advocate for their own health as well as the health of their colleagues.