An innovative programme to track and address burnout in physician trainees

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Management
• Physician Well-being

Background:

• Healthcare systems face increasing pressure to address physician trainee burnout.
• A novel initiative was developed to proactively assess burnout and identify its drivers.
• The initiative aims to provide resources and recommendations for burnout prevention and reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a burnout tracking initiative for physician trainees.
• To assess the feasibility and utility of a systematic approach to tracking and addressing trainee burnout.

Main Methods:

• A two-question burnout survey was administered to physician trainees.
• An algorithm was developed to recommend interventions based on survey responses.
• Training programs provided annual feedback on the initiative's effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Program participation rates were high (70% and 80% in years 1 and 2).
• Burnout levels and drivers varied across programs, with all identified drivers cited by at least one program.
• Programs reported improved ability to track and reduce burnout and found trainee conversations helpful.

Conclusions:

• Systematic tracking of burnout and targeted interventions are feasible and effective.
• This initiative can serve as a model for institution-wide efforts to combat physician trainee burnout.
• The model is adaptable for other clinical healthcare settings and academic medicine faculty.