Initiative leads to decrease in emergency physician burnout
Studies of the COVID-19 pandemic and prior pandemics have shown that isolation and distancing are associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, anger, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
COVID-19 has led to new stressors impacting societal, physical, financial, and psychological health, and emergency physicians are particularly susceptible to burnout under ordinary circumstances and may be particularly vulnerable during the pandemic.
A new wellness initiative, led by residents in the Department of Emergency Medicine was recently featured in the Journal of Wellness, and implemented a goal-based physical wellness initiative for resident emergency physicians and determined whether the intervention was useful in combating stressors related to COVID-19.
The resident-led physical wellness initiative sought residents and faculty to participate in a four-week initiative focusing on a physical wellness goal. After completing or opting out of the wellness initiative, all residents and faculty were invited to complete an online survey comprised of demographics, the Maslach Burnout Index (MBI-HSS), and various opinions on wellness initiatives and the impact of COVID-19. The MBI-HSSS is a validated burnout survey consisting of questions evaluating three domains of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal achievement.
Over the course of the study, a reported effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental wellbeing was lower for participants within the Wellness Initiative, although the difference was not significant. Additionally, participants had a lower emotional exhaustion score than non-participants on the MBI-HSS.
Authors of the paper titled “Resident-Led Physical Wellness Initiative Linked to Less Burnout for Emergency Physicians during COVID-19 Pandemic,” are Camila A. Calderón, MD, resident; Adeola A. Kosoko, MD, assistant professor; Salil K. Bhandari, MD, assistant professor; Jason A. Lesnick, MD, resident; Derek R. Herkes, MD, resident; and Ryan M. Huebinger, MD, assistant professor and associate director of research.
The Journal of Wellness is a peer-reviewed, open access, indexed journal that publishes original research articles as well as review articles in all areas of medical, physical, and psychological wellness.