Longitudinal Assessment of Empathy and Burnout Across a Single Pharmacy Class Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: This is a final analysis of longitudinal evaluation of burnout and empathy among a cohort of Doctor of Pharmacy students throughout their four-year enrollment. METHODS: The Class of 2021 received sequential Qualtrics RESULTS: Matched survey responses were included for 91 students (85.8% response rate). Across all years, a decrease in empathy and professional efficacy and an increase in exhaustion and cynicism was seen. High categorical levels of exhaustion and cynicism indicated evidence of burnout throughout the program. Year-to-year analysis indicated statistically significant increases in exhaustion and cynicism between PY1 CONCLUSION: Students reported trends of decreasing empathy and professional efficacy, with a simultaneous increase in exhaustion and cynicism. Further evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on these results, as well as additional methods to support overall student wellness, is needed