Objective  To evaluate burnout in oncologists and nurses and analyze its correlation with demographic and professional characteristics, psychological distress/insomnia, and other factors.

  Methods  This cross-sectional study surveyed oncologists and nurses at Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute using online questionnaires from September to October 2020. The relationship between demographic/professional characteristics, burnout, and psychological distress/insomnia was analyzed.

  Results  Of 503 oncologists and nurses, 24 (4.8%) showed emotional exhaustion, 38 (7.6%) experienced depersonalization, 93(18.5%) had a low sense of personal accomplishment, and 163(32.4%), 113(22.5%), and 105 (20.9%) had some level of depression, anxiety, and insomnia, respectively. Status of depression, anxiety, and insomnia were significantly (P<0.01) correlated with three burnout subscales. Nurses with over 10 years of work experience who “faced reduced working hours/loss of income” and “felt their quality of life had worsened” were more likely to report burnout as well as psychological problems and/or insomnia.

  Conclusions  While the prevalence of burnout, distress, and insomnia are not alarmingly high for oncologists and nurses, problems such as low personal accomplishment and depressive moods deserve more attention, screening, and timely intervention.