Innovative Approaches to Battling Resident Burnout in a Urology Residency Program

Abstract

Introduction: Data suggest many U.S. physicians experience burnout, affecting up to 65% of U.S. urology resident physicians. We implemented a multifaceted Urology Resident Wellness Curriculum and measured its effect on burnout reported among our trainees.Methods: We created a 5-pronged Resident Wellness Curriculum: 1) faculty-sponsored Resident Wellness Fund, 2) social groups between 1 faculty and 2e3 trainees, 3) one-on-one structured mentorship, 4) resident-organized social outings using the Resident Wellness Fund, and 5) wellness education. We administered 2 validated burnout questionnaires, the Maslach Burnout Index-Human Services Survey and the Expanded Mayo Physician Well Being Index, to our resident physicians at 4 time points, immediately before and following curriculum implementation. At study conclusion, resident physicians were asked to rank the most meaningful interventions.Results: At 4 timepoints over 3 academic years, 54 completed instruments were collected from 32 unique resident physicians. Initial Maslach Burnout Index survey data indicated high levels of Depersonalization and Emotional Exhaustion with moderate levels of Personal Accomplishment. Over the study period, there was improvement in Depersonalization from high to moderate (28% decrease, p¼0.04), improvement in Emotional Exhaustion from high to moderate (20% decrease, p¼0.15) and preserved moderate Personal Accomplishment. The average Physician Well Being Index score decreased by 52% (p¼0.006), demonstrating decreased levels of distress. Resident-organized social outings were ranked as the most meaningful intervention, with 63% of participants ranking it first.Conclusions: Rates of urology resident physician burnout were observed to be high at baseline, but improved significantly after introduction of a purposeful Resident Wellness Curriculum.

The hidden struggle of overworked urology residents “the hour”: The overlooked burnout, a narrative review

“…Burnout is often a hidden struggle or a concealed challenge because people may not recognize that they are experiencing it and may not feel comfortable speaking up about their symptoms. Burnout can build up slowly over time as people experience chronic stress, high levels of work demands, long hours, poor work-life balance, and lack of support from colleagues and supervisors [3,4] . People who are experiencing burnout may feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit it, thinking that it is a sign of weakness or a failure on their part.…”

“…Anaissie et al [3] 2021 Innovative approaches to battling resident burnout in a urology residency program…”

A Review of Mentorship in Urology: Are We Satisfied?

“…Mentorship programs have also been described within urology residency programs themselves. Baylor College of Medicine created a 5-component resident wellness curriculum for their urology residency program that integrated structured mentorship, funding for social events, and wellness education [38]. They employed both dyad and group structures of mentorship in their program.…”

A SWOT Analysis of Urology Residency

“…Numerous small studies have investigated a variety of interventions from access to a gym, to a program to strengthen coping mechanisms, to triannual faculty consultation to discuss goals, progress, and well-being, all of which were aimed at improving resident wellness [ 28 ]. A recent publication highlighted the benefit of a comprehensive wellness curriculum aimed at changing program culture [ 29 ]. This study found that over the 3 years studied, a formalized curriculum improved metrics of resident burnout, with the most meaningful intervention being resident-organized social outings.…”