High Reliability Organization Principles Improve VA Workplace Burnout: The Truman THRIVE2 Model

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Psychology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Provider burnout is a critical issue in healthcare, with limited understanding of preventative strategies.
• High Reliability Organization (HRO) principles are known to improve safety and performance in complex systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of implementing High Reliability Organization (HRO) practices on provider burnout metrics.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Transformative HRO Initiative Via Employee Engagement (THRIVE2) model.

Main Methods:

• The Transformative HRO Initiative Via Employee Engagement (THRIVE2) model was implemented at Truman Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).
• THRIVE2 included Just Culture training, Clinical Team Training, and Lean continuous process improvement.
• Burnout and employee satisfaction metrics at Truman VAMC were compared with other Veterans Health Affairs (VHA) facilities.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in HRO metrics, work group psychological safety, and employee exhaustion (P < 0.001).
• High burnout rates decreased by 52% (from 6.2% to 2.95%; P < 0.001).
• Truman VAMC improved its ranking from 75th to No. 1 among VHA facilities for Best Places to Work.

Conclusions:

• Implementation of HRO practices through the THRIVE2 model effectively reduced provider burnout and enhanced employee well-being.
• These findings demonstrate the potential of HRO principles to address healthcare provider burnout and improve workplace environments.
• The study results have significant implications for national healthcare policy regarding workforce well-being and organizational performance.