Bridging the gap: Responding to resident burnout and restoring well-being

Abstract

There is an increasing awareness of high burnout found among physicians. Resident physicians particularly face heightened stress due to inherent pressures of training in addition to systemic challenges common to healthcare. It is crucial that medical training programs and organizations create a culture which promotes physician well-being. We conducted an evaluation of a quality assurance pilot program aimed at creating a safe space for increasing burnout awareness and well-being among resident physicians. The program was voluntary, offered to psychiatry residents enrolled at McMaster University, and comprised an online resilience curriculum, peer groups, and wellness newsletters. Data analysis took place between December 15, 2018 and July 15, 2019. The educational goals were evaluated by outcome measures obtained over time in aggregated response data through residents’ anonymous survey feedback. All aspects of the triad received positive feedback, with peer groups being perceived as most helpful. Of all residents, 31% (n = 22) engaged in all three aspects of the program; the majority were female (83%) and senior residents (63%). While 48% reported burnout upon enrollment, there was an average 50% stress reduction perceived post-attendance. This project has shown that peer groups can make a difference in the daily experience of psychiatry residents at our institution.