Resident Physician Wellness Curriculum: A Study of Efficacy and Satisfaction

Abstract

BackgroundRecent literature highlights the alarming prevalence of burnout, depression, and illness during residency training; a trend that is also linked to suboptimal patient care. Dedicated wellness curricula may be one solution to this concerning issue.PurposeTo determine the effect of a multi-faceted wellness curriculum during emergency medicine residency training on wellness scores and to assess resident satisfaction with the program.MethodsThis study was conducted via a longitudinal survey. In 2009, a faculty-derived resident wellness curriculum (F-RWC) was initiated. This program was then bolstered with a parallel resident-derived curriculum (R-RWC) one year later, in 2010. Emergency medicine residents were surveyed in 2009, 2010, and 2011 to assess wellness at baseline, after one year of the F-RWC, and after one year of combined RWCs, respectively. Surveys included two validated assessment instruments (the Brief Resident Wellness Profile (BRWP) and the SF-8TM Health Survey), a satisfaction Likert scale, and a demographics information sheet.ResultsThe survey response rates were 89% (n=17), 100% (n=17), and 83% (n=24) from 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively, for a total of 58 participants. From baseline in 2009, there was a significant improvement in resident wellness, with the addition of parallel RWC by 2011, as measured by the BRWP (p=0.024). The faces scale, a subset of the BRWP, showed a trend toward benefit but did not reach statistical significance (p=0.085). There was no evidence of a statistically significant change in SF-8TM scores over time. Participants consistently reported positive satisfaction scores with RWC initiatives.ConclusionsDedicated RWC, with input from both faculty and resident physicians, improved wellness during residency training with a high degree of participant satisfaction. Such programs are needed to support resident physicians during their training.

Physician Burnout: Solutions for Individuals and Organizations

“…The development and implementation of a wellness curriculum may also be a useful adjunct in promoting a culture of wellness. 59 , 60 Further research is necessary to elucidate the approach that plastic and reconstructive surgery departments, private practices, and residency programs can take to most effectively reduce burnout and promote wellness within their respective organizations.…”

Wellness Interventions in Emergency Medicine Residency Programs: Review of the Literature Since 2017

“…The most commonly encountered wellness intervention (5 of 8) was a formal, classroom-based initiative. 15 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 Three of these studies described a year-long curriculum 16 , 18 , 22 and two described a single session. 15 , 20 All five provided a broad overview of wellness during residency training and attempted to address multiple facets including work-life balance, stress management, and burnout coping mechanisms.…”

“…Two studies used the MBI-HSS 18 , 22 ; one used the Perceived Wellness Scale 21 ; and one used a combination of the Brief Resident Wellness Profile and Short Form Health Survey (SF-8). 16 Many of the studies also used satisfaction surveys to assess participant reactions to the interventions, 15 – 20 and two used a combination of both. 16 , 18 …”

“… 16 Many of the studies also used satisfaction surveys to assess participant reactions to the interventions, 15 – 20 and two used a combination of both. 16 , 18 …”

Mental Health Outcomes in Plastic Surgery Residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Wellness activities have been proven to reduce anxiety, reduce depression, and improve productivity, morale, and overall performance among residents, as well as help to decrease the risks of burnout. 3 – 5 However, these activities must be well implemented and encouraged to avoid conveying feelings of weakness and stigma. Our findings corroborate the importance of established wellness programs and trust between faculty and residents in academic programs, as well as identifying residents at risk for burnout, as these effects can have longstanding sequelae and consequently remain, even when the COVID-19 pandemic is over or under control.…”