Taking a Systematic Approach to Resident Wellness: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Resident wellness is increasingly recognized as critically important in otolaryngology education, and well-being education is now a requirement for all residencies. The objectives of this pilot study are to (1) perform a needs assessment to determine the wellness topics most important to the residents, (2) determine systemic barriers to wellness through a structured focus group, and (3) describe a new method to approach resident well-being. An anonymous survey needs assessment, adapted from a published wellness curriculum, was administered to otolaryngology residents. Residents underwent a structured, anonymous focus group applying Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The focus group highlighted resident priorities and defined an action plan for the program. This method allows for an individual and systems approach to resident wellness. Involving residents may increase engagement, and this approach can identify barriers to wellness and provide the groundwork for a formal resident wellness curriculum.

Mobile meditation for improving quality of life, anxiety and depression among surgical residents and faculty

“…Many different strategies have been adopted by institutions to implement a streamlined and effective wellness initiative. Kashat et al 10 described a pilot study in which otolaryngology residents attended focus groups centred on Maslow's hierarchy of needs (physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualisation). They found that this focus group resulted in immediate changes that directly improved residents' quality of life.…”

“…8,9 Multiple institutions have reported on their concerted efforts to enact a structured wellness programme within their residency programme. [10][11][12] This year, surgical residents and faculty members faced a new level of stress while dealing with the changes and challenges amidst the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Multiple studies have already shown an increased mental strain on healthcare workers during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, reflected through validated surveys on anxiety, depression, insomnia and distress.…”

“…8,9 Multiple institutions have reported on their concerted efforts to enact a structured wellness programme within their residency programme. 10–12…”

Mindfulness Education for Otolaryngology Residents: A Pilot Study

“…Our residency program uses a needs assessment approach to design the wellness curriculum, and the mindfulness sessions were implemented as a module. 13 Incorporating wellness content and courses into the didactic curriculum helps to emphasize this important issue. Mindfulness training was included after being the most highly rated topic.…”

Promoting Wellness in Orthopaedic Surgery Residency

“…More recently, Kashat et al 29 described a method in otolaryngology residents by which they performed a needs assessment in the form of an anonymous survey to each of their residents asking them to rank wellness topics in order of importance. This was then followed by an open dialogue focus group that helped to determine systemic barriers to wellness.…”