Resident-Led Physical Wellness Initiative Linked to Less Burnout for Emergency Physicians during COVID-19 Pandemic
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. Emergency Physicians are particularly susceptible to burnout under ordinary circumstances and may be particularly vulnerable during the pandemic.
The Department of Emergency Medicine’s Dr. Camila Calderon, Dr. Adeola Kosoko, Dr. Salil Bhandari, Dr. Jason Lesnick, Dr. Derek Herkes, and Dr. Ryan Huebinger were recently featured in the Journal of Wellness for their study implementing a resident-led, goal-based physical wellness initiative for resident Emergency Physicians. The study determines whether this 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 physical wellness initiative focusing on a physical wellness goal. After completing or opting out of this 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-HSS is a validated burnout survey consisting of questions evaluating three domains of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal achievement.
Over the course of this study; a reported effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental wellbeing was lower for participants within the Wellness Initiative although this was not significant. While on the Maslach Burnout Index (MBI-HSS), participants had a lower emotional exhaustion score than non-participants.
The Journal of Wellness (JWellness) 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.