Designing and Building a Portfolio of Individual Support Resources for Physicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Occupational Health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Physicians and clinical faculty experience significant occupational burnout and distress post-COVID-19.
• Healthcare organizations need strategies to mitigate these challenges and support clinician well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate and define various support approaches for clinicians.
• To guide healthcare organizations in selecting appropriate interventions for clinician distress.

Main Methods:

• The study defines and contrasts mentoring, group-based peer support, individual peer support, coaching, and psychotherapy.
• It emphasizes the distinct benefits and applications of each approach.

Main Results:

• Mentoring focuses on career development; peer support offers community and timely assistance; coaching fosters accountability; psychotherapy addresses severe distress.
• These methods are distinct, complementary, and may be used concurrently or at different career stages.

Conclusions:

• A portfolio of diverse support offerings is necessary for holistic clinician well-being.
• A stepped care model utilizing a population health approach can be cost-effective for preventing occupational distress.