An Interprofessional Group Intervention to Promote Faculty Well-Being: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate the effect on engagement, relational connection, and burnout of an intervention involving clinical faculty meeting in interprofessional self-facilitated groups and to determine whether a written discussion guide is necessary to achieve benefit. Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial, conducted at a large US academic medical center from May to August 2018. Subjects included 25 clinical physicians, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives. The intervention involved three monthly self-facilitated groups for faculty. Groups were randomized to have no discussion guide, or to receive a one-page guide. Outcomes of burnout, engagement, and empowerment in work, and stress from uncertainty were assessed using validated metrics. Results: Rates of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization decreased significantly over the course of the 3-month study (56%-36%; P < .001; and 20%-15%; P = .006) and overall burnout decreased from 56% to 41% of faculty (P = .002). The percentage of faculty who felt engaged in their work increased from 80% to 96% (P = .03). No statistically significant differences in empowerment at work or in reaction to uncertainty were seen. The groups without a discussion guide had equivalent outcomes and benefits. Cost per participant was under $100. Discussion: A three-month, low-cost, self-facilitated series of dinner meetings for interprofessional clinical faculty decreased burnout and improved engagement, sense of connection to colleagues, and sense of departmental commitment to well-being. Structured discussion guides were not necessary to achieve benefit. This study broadens the possibilities for cost-effective opportunities to transform institutional culture and effectively enhance faculty well-being.

Efficacy of Transcendental Meditation to Reduce Stress Among Health Care Workers

“…This finding may represent a floor effect (which occurs when a large percentage of respondents score near the lower limit on a questionnaire). At baseline, the cohort had low GSI scores (median [IQR], 9 [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] points) and thus may not have been able to further reduce symptoms in a 3-month period. Only 3 participants in the TM group and 6 participants in the control group had a high standard GSI score (Ն63 points) at baseline, 49 and these small numbers were inadequate for statistical analysis.…”

“…Several randomized clinical trials have evaluated strategies to reduce stress and burnout, such as the use of psychological or sensory-emotional techniques, [10][11][12][13] group discussions, 14,15 mindfulnessor compassion-based programs, [16][17][18][19] auricular acupressure, 20 and cannabidiol treatment. 21 These studies reported some short-term improvements; however, small cohorts, high attrition rates, lack of sample diversity, or the need for pharmacological therapy has limited their utility, highlighting the need for rigorously tested interventions for burnout.…”

Identifying validity evidence for uncertainty tolerance scales: A systematic review

“…Three studies investigating the scales of interest were excluded on the basis of either unclear methods (e.g. an inability to determine which of the two PRU scales or subscales were implemented due to discrepancies in scale naming and/or item numbers) 80,81 or a lack of data. 82 Study characteristics and MERSQI outcomes are provided in Appendix S1.…”

Job Strain, Burnout, and Suicidal Ideation in Tenured University Hospital Faculty Staff in France in 2021

“…In a systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 randomized clinical trials of individual or organizational interventions (716 physicians) and 37 cohort studies (2914 physicians), the prevalence of burnout as assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory decreased from 54% to 44% in the intervention groups. In 1 trial, for instance, 3 monthly dinner meetings for physicians, nurses, and midwives decreased burnout and improved engagement, sense of connection to colleagues, and perceived department commitment to staff well-being . Good relationships with colleagues, meaningful interactions with learners, and protected time for personal life were crucial for full-time university hospital faculty .…”

“…In 1 trial, for instance, 3 monthly dinner meetings for physicians, nurses, and midwives decreased burnout and improved engagement, sense of connection to colleagues, and perceived department commitment to staff well-being. 27 Good relationships with colleagues, meaningful interactions with learners, and protected time for personal life were crucial for full-time university hospital faculty. 28 Facilitated small-group curriculum reduced depersonalization.…”