Resiliency training for medical professionals

For the past 10 years, the military medical system costs have increased by an estimated 167 percent. Behavioral health issues and physical ailments are major contributors to the increased costs. As a result, fatigue and burnout of medical professionals are growing concerns. The Army Medical Department (AMEDD) recognizes that physical and psychological stressors adversely impact personal well-being and organizational goals. Thus, an emphasis on enhancing the individual s resiliency framework is essential to the stamina and long-term endurance to sustain the continued provision of high quality medical care. To that end, the Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) has instituted the Provider Resiliency Program. The Professional Provider Resiliency Training (PPRT) conducted by the AMEDD Center and School should be a key element of the MEDCOM Provider Resiliency Program. The PPRT provides medical professionals the opportunity to significantly develop and enhance their resiliency skills. This article includes outcome data from 172 medical professionals who attended the PPRT. Specific focus is on their perspective about resiliency training. The findings in this article revealed that the doctors (100 percent), nurses (98 percent), behavioral health providers (90 percent) and other professionals (100 percent) who attended the PPRT course valued the training and indicated that they will use the learned mind-body resiliency techniques.