Innovative Approaches to Battling Resident Burnout in a Urology Residency Program

Data suggest many U.S. physicians experience burnout, affecting up to 65% of U.S. urology resident physicians. We implemented a multifaceted Urology Resident Wellness Curriculum and measured its effect on burnout reported among our trainees.

We created a 5-pronged Resident Wellness Curriculum: 1) faculty-sponsored Resident Wellness Fund, 2) social groups between 1 faculty and 2-3 trainees, 3) one-on-one structured mentorship, 4) resident-organized social outings using the Resident Wellness Fund, and 5) wellness education. We administered 2 validated burnout questionnaires, the Maslach Burnout Index-Human Services Survey and the Expanded Mayo Physician Well Being Index, to our resident physicians at 4 time points, immediately before and following curriculum implementation. At study conclusion, resident physicians were asked to rank the most meaningful interventions.

At 4 timepoints over 3 academic years, 54 completed instruments were collected from 32 unique resident physicians. Initial Maslach Burnout Index survey data indicated high levels of Depersonalization and Emotional Exhaustion with moderate levels of Personal Accomplishment. Over the study period, there was improvement in Depersonalization from high to moderate (28% decrease, p=0.04), improvement in Emotional Exhaustion from high to moderate (20% decrease, p=0.15) and preserved moderate Personal Accomplishment. The average Physician Well Being Index score decreased by 52% (p=0.006), demonstrating decreased levels of distress. Resident-organized social outings were ranked as the most meaningful intervention, with 63% of participants ranking it first.

Rates of urology resident physician burnout were observed to be high at baseline, but improved significantly after introduction of a purposeful Resident Wellness Curriculum.