Lessons learned from the Health Resources and Services Administration health workforce well-being grantees

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Burnout and moral injury are critical issues in healthcare and public safety.
• In 2021, $120 million was allocated via the American Rescue Plan Act for HRSA grants to address workforce burnout.
• This study evaluates the implementation of these grant-funded interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine facilitators and barriers to implementing burnout and moral injury interventions.
• To assess the reported impact of these interventions on the health and public safety workforce.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of key informant interviews (n=39) and surveys (n=36) with grantees.
• Data collected between May and August 2023.
• Inductive and deductive analytical approaches were employed.

Main Results:

• Grantees adapted program delivery to meet workforce needs, focusing on leadership engagement and worker voice.
• Early data indicated reductions in staff turnover, burnout, and moral distress.
• Ongoing resource constraints and staff turnover presented common challenges.

Conclusions:

• Despite post-COVID staffing challenges, interventions are driving organizational and cultural change.
• Engaging workers, building trust, and effective communication are crucial for improving well-being.
• Intentional evaluation and feedback strategies are vital for advancing organizational efforts.