Sustaining and Training for Resilience, Engagement and Meaning (STREAM): Program Model, Rationale and Early Implementation

Abstract

Background: It is clear now that burnout and stress in physicians is a major threat to both physician and patient outcomes. While there are systems issues that need to be addressed, there are individual strategies that can be employed to alleviate at least some of the burden on physicians. Methods: Here we describe the development of the Sustaining and Training for Resilience, Engagement and Meaning (STREAM) program designed to support physicians in developing key skills. We utilized the PERMA-H framework to organize the program into four areas: Mental Health, Resilience, Engagement in Systems Improvement, and Connection with Joy and Meaning. We describe the rationale and need for work in these four domains to support physician well-being. Results: We detail the initial program implementation as well as the improvements we completed after gathering feedback from multiple stakeholders, including trainees, faculty, program leaders and an advisory board. Conclusions: Supporting physician well-being is paramount; building strong relationships and working together to improve systems drivers of distress are germane avenues to accomplish this goal.