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Swancott L, Armstrong N, Roland D, Walters HL, Kirk K. Emergency department workforces' experiences and perceptions of well-being from an international perspective: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e087485. [PMID: 38986554 PMCID: PMC11288155 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify and present the available evidence regarding workforce well-being in the emergency department. DESIGN Scoping review. SETTING The emergency department (ED). DATA SOURCES CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched with no publication time parameters. The reference lists of articles selected for full-text review were also screened for additional papers. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDY SELECTION All peer-reviewed, empirical papers were included if: (1) participants included staff-based full-time in the ED, (2) ED workforce well-being was a key component of the research, (3) English language was available and (4) the main focus was not burnout or other mental illness-related variables. RESULTS The search identified 6109 papers and 34 papers were included in the review. Most papers used a quantitative or mixed methods survey design, with very limited evidence using in-depth qualitative methods to explore ED workforce well-being. Interventions accounted for 41% of reviewed studies. Findings highlighted pressing issues with ED workforce well-being, contributed to by a range of interpersonal, organisational and individual challenges (eg, high workloads, lack of support). However, the limited evidence base, tenuous conceptualisations and links to well-being in existing literature mean that the findings were neither consistent nor conclusive. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review highlights the need for more high-quality research to be conducted, particularly using qualitative methods and the development of a working definition of ED workforce well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Swancott
- Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Damian Roland
- Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Emergency Department, Paediatric Emergency Medicine Leicester Academic (PEMLA) Group, Leicester, UK
| | - Helen L Walters
- Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Kate Kirk
- Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Hulkkonen E, Kouvonen A, Nordquist H. Associations between paramedics' salutogenic health experience and the intention to stay in the profession: A cross-sectional survey. Nurs Open 2024; 11:e2133. [PMID: 38500397 PMCID: PMC10948950 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the association between paramedics' salutogenic health and their intentions to stay in their profession. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey. METHODS Paramedics from eight purposively selected organizations participated in this study (n = 433). The data were collected in 2022 with the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale and validated single questions that assessed work ability, recovery and self-rated stress. Intention to stay was measured using two questions about the intention to leave prehospital emergency medical service work and leave the nursing sector completely during the next 2 years. Data were analysed using logistic regression and statistical significance tests. RESULTS Men had higher mean salutogenic health scores than women. No significant differences in salutogenic health were observed across work experience or occupational groups. Paramedics intending to stay in their profession exhibited higher salutogenic health scores than those intending to leave. In the logistic regression models, increasing levels of salutogenic health and work ability were associated with intention to stay in the profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Hulkkonen
- Emergency Medical ServicesThe Wellbeing Services County of Southern SavoniaSavonlinnaFinland
| | - Anne Kouvonen
- Faculty of Social SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Centre for Public HealthQueen's University BelfastBelfastNorthern Ireland
| | - Hilla Nordquist
- South‐Eastern Finland University of Applied SciencesKotkaFinland
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Belkić K, Rustagi N. Job stressors in relation to burnout and compromised sleep among academic physicians in India. Work 2024; 78:505-525. [PMID: 38189728 PMCID: PMC11191458 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burnout among physicians, especially in the academic setting, is an urgent concern, with adequate sleep one of the key focal points. OBJECTIVE To identify job stressors contributing to burnout and compromised sleep among academic physicians, using a comprehensive, theory-based instrument, the Occupational Stressor Index (OSI), whose specific form was created 'for physicians by physicians'. METHODS This parallel mixed-methods cross-sectional investigation was conducted among 109 physicians employed in a public teaching hospital, Jodhpur, India. Work conditions were evaluated by the physician-specific OSI (part I). The Copenhagen Burnout Index and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were the outcome instruments (part II). Seventy-six physicians completed parts I and II. RESULTS The physicians were from wide-ranging specialties, and 82% of the cohort were residents. Mean total OSI scores were 87.4±8.1, with unit-change yielding adjusted odds-ratios (95% confidence-intervals) for personal (1.10 (1.02-1.18)) and work-related burnout (1.12 (1.04-1.22)), and PSQI (1.09 (1.01-1.17)). Significant multivariable associations with burnout and/or sleep indices included: working 7 days/week, lacking work-free vacation, insufficient rest breaks, interruptions, many patients in intensive-care, no separate time for non-clinical duties, pressure to publish, injury/suicide attempts of colleagues/staff, performing pointless tasks. The latter were described as administrative/clerical. Lacking genuine rest breaks was mainly patient-related, further compromised by emergency work and lacking separate time for non-clinical duties. Long workhours and exhausting schedule were cited as most difficult parts of work, while reducing workhours, improving work schedule, and hiring more staff most frequently recommended. CONCLUSION Specific working conditions potentially contributory to burnout and compromised sleep among physicians working in academic medicine are identified using a methodologically-rigorous, in-depth approach. These findings inform evidence-based interventions aimed at preserving physician mental health and work capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Belkić
- Department of Oncology/Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Radiation Physics and Nuclear Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Claremont Graduate University, School of Community and Global Health, Claremont, CA, USA
- Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Neeti Rustagi
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
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Månsson Sandberg H, Landstad BJ, Tjulin Å, Brulin E. COVID-19- related work, managerial factors and exhaustion among general practitioners in Sweden: a cross-sectional study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:269. [PMID: 38087223 PMCID: PMC10717449 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02228-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A significant number of international studies show that general practitioners (GPs) suffered from burnout when working during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Swedish study found that more than 16% of GPs had exhaustion in spring 2021. Exhaustion can be regarded as an initial stage of burnout. A knowledge gap remains on GPs´ working conditions, the impact of management during the pandemic and how it was associated with exhaustion. This study aims to explore the association between severe symptoms of exhaustion and COVID-19 pandemic-related work and managerial factors among Swedish GPs and whether managerial factors have an impact on the association between exhaustion and COVID-19-related work factors. METHODS Cross-sectional data was drawn from the Longitudinal Occupational Health survey in Health Care Sweden (LOHHCS), which included a representative sample of practicing doctors in Sweden. The sample consisted of 6699 doctors with a response rate of 41.2%. This study constitutes a sample of doctors who reported working in primary care facilities at the time of data collection, i.e. 1013 GPs. The Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) was used to assess severe symptoms of exhaustion. Questions were also asked about pandemic-related work and managerial factors. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to identify the association between exhaustion, work and managerial factors. RESULTS The multivariate analysis showed that GPs who managed COVID-19 patients were about twice as likely to report severe symptoms of exhaustion. Further, GPs who reported that management was unsupportive, provided unsatisfactory working conditions and unsatisfactory policies for patient prioritisation were between two and four times more likely to report severe symptoms of exhaustion. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19-related work and managerial factors had a significant impact on the mental health of GPs. Furthermore, the potentially protective effect that satisfactory management actions had on mental health was limited. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for future major crises that have a high impact on healthcare, there is a need to investigate the measures that can be taken to enable GPs to carry out their work, while maintaining their wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Månsson Sandberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden.
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Bodil J Landstad
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
- Unit of Research, Education and Development, Östersund Hospital, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Åsa Tjulin
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Emma Brulin
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Pelli J, Nordquist H. Learning Lessons for Future Preparedness: Exploring Work Well-Being-Related Leadership Challenges among Paramedics during the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Qualitative Study. NURSING REPORTS 2023; 13:1721-1730. [PMID: 38133118 PMCID: PMC10745729 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep13040142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic majorly impacted the population and public services. In Finland, a state of emergency was declared to ensure the security of healthcare resources, and prehospital emergency medical service (EMS) organizations faced emergency conditions for the first time. This study explores the leadership challenges related to well-being experienced during the early phase of the pandemic. This qualitative study utilized reflective essay material written between August and November 2020 by experienced advanced-level paramedics (n = 30) who participated actively in EMS fieldwork at the beginning of the pandemic. The material (32,621 words) was analyzed with inductive content analysis. The work well-being-related leadership challenges experienced by paramedics during the early phase of the pandemic were divided into four upper categories: inadequate guidance, workplace reorganization, atmosphere mismanagement, and insufficient resources to cope. These upper categories were comprised of 17 subcategories. Several actions can be taken to enhance personnel well-being and prepare for similar challenges. Guidance and support should be clear and timely. Visible leadership should be emphasized and enhanced with modern communication. Efforts should be made to strengthen the work atmosphere to support those on the front lines of healthcare. This study was not registered on a publicly accessible registry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jukka Pelli
- Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 4, 33100 Tampere, Finland
| | - Hilla Nordquist
- Department of Health Care and Emergency Care, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Pääskysentie 1, 48220 Kotka, Finland
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Jacobs BB. An alternate explanation for the 2023 Match: Emergency medicine physicians endure repeated workplace moral distress and our students are watching. Acad Emerg Med 2023; 30:1176-1178. [PMID: 37285078 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Breanne B Jacobs
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
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Plouffe RA, Nazarov A, Heesters AM, Dickey CC, Foxcroft L, Hosseiny F, Le T, Lum PA, Nouri MS, Smith P, Richardson JD. The mediating roles of workplace support and ethical work environment in associations between leadership and moral distress: a longitudinal study of Canadian health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1235211. [PMID: 37842704 PMCID: PMC10570733 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1235211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in heightened moral distress among health care workers (HCWs) worldwide. Past research has shown that effective leadership may mitigate potential for the development of moral distress. However, no research to date has considered the mechanisms by which leadership might have an influence on moral distress. We sought to evaluate longitudinally whether Canadian HCWs' perceptions of workplace support and ethical work environment would mediate associations between leadership and moral distress. Methods A total of 239 French- and English-speaking Canadian HCWs employed during the COVID-19 pandemic were recruited to participate in a longitudinal online survey. Participants completed measures of organizational and supervisory leadership at baseline and follow-up assessments of workplace support, perceptions of an ethical work environment, and moral distress. Results Associations between both organizational and supervisory leadership and moral distress were fully mediated by workplace supports and perceptions of an ethical work environment. Discussion To ensure HCW well-being and quality of care, it is important to ensure that HCWs are provided with adequate workplace supports, including manageable work hours, social support, and recognition for efforts, as well as an ethical workplace environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Plouffe
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, London, ON, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Nazarov
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, London, ON, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ann M. Heesters
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Institute for Education Research (TIER), Unviersity Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chandlee C. Dickey
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Laura Foxcroft
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Tri Le
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - P. Andrea Lum
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Maede S. Nouri
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick Smith
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - J. Don Richardson
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, London, ON, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Parkwood Institute, London, ON, Canada
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Bandini JI, Ahluwalia SC, Timmins G, Bialas A, Meredith L, Gidengil C. "It Haunts Me": Impact of COVID-19 Deaths on Frontline Clinicians In Acute Care Settings-A Qualitative Study. Am J Crit Care 2023; 32:368-374. [PMID: 37652873 DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2023257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented conditions for clinicians providing end-of-life care in acute care settings, yet almost 2 years since the start of the pandemic, little is known about its impact on clinicians. OBJECTIVES To qualitatively explore how clinicians experienced their role as they cared for dying patients with COVID-19 during the pandemic and the impact of these experiences on their lives as health care professionals. METHODS In-depth, hour-long interviews were conducted by phone in the spring of 2022 at a single time point with 23 physicians and nurses in critical care and emergency department settings from 2 health systems in California. The goal was to elicit perspectives on experiences with end-of-life care and the long-term impact of these experiences. Clinicians were asked to reflect on the different stages of the pandemic, and interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis. RESULTS The interviews highlighted 2 primary themes around provision of end-of-life care during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, clinicians described challenges around their clinical duties of providing care to dying patients, which included decision-making dilemmas and professionalism challenges. Second, clinicians described the emotional aspects around end-of-life care situations they experienced, including communication with family members, "being patients' family members" at the end of life, and various degrees of meaning-making and remembrance of these experiences. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the sustained and cumulative emotional challenges and burden clinicians are still shouldering more than 2 years after the start of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia I Bandini
- Julia I. Bandini is a behavioral/social scientist, RAND Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sangeeta C Ahluwalia
- Sangeeta C. Ahluwalia is a senior policy researcher, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - George Timmins
- George Timmins is a PhD student, Pardee RAND Graduate School and an assistant policy researcher at RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Armenda Bialas
- Armenda Bialas is a research assistant, RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lisa Meredith
- Lisa Meredith is a senior behavioral scientist, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Courtney Gidengil
- Courtney Gidengil is a senior physician policy researcher, RAND Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts
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Lin S, Zimmerman E, Datta S, Selby M, Chan T, Fant A. Curated collections for educators: Nine key articles and article series for teaching qualitative research methods. AEM EDUCATION AND TRAINING 2023; 7:e10862. [PMID: 37013134 PMCID: PMC10066497 DOI: 10.1002/aet2.10862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Qualitative research explains observations, focusing on how and why phenomena and experiences occur. Qualitative methods go beyond quantitative data and provide critical information inaccessible through quantitative methods. However, at all levels of medical education, there is insufficient exposure to qualitative research. As a result, residents and fellows complete training ill-equipped to appraise and conduct qualitative studies. As a first step to increasing education in qualitative methods, we sought to create a curated collection of papers for faculty to use in teaching qualitative research at the graduate medical education (GME) level. Methods We conducted literature searches on the topic of teaching qualitative research to residents and fellows and queried virtual medical education and qualitative research communities for relevant articles. We searched the reference lists of all articles found through the literature searches and online queries for additional articles. We then conducted a three-round modified Delphi process to select papers most relevant to faculty teaching qualitative research. Results We found no articles describing qualitative research curricula at the GME level. We identified 74 articles on the topic of qualitative research methods. The modified Delphi process identified the top nine articles or article series most relevant for faculty teaching qualitative research. Several articles explain qualitative methods in the context of medical education, clinical care, or emergency care research. Two articles describe standards of high-quality qualitative studies, and one article discusses how to conduct the individual qualitative interview to collect data for a qualitative study. Conclusions While we identified no articles reporting already existing qualitative research curricula for residents and fellows, we were able to create a collection of papers on qualitative research relevant to faculty seeking to teach qualitative methods. These papers describe key qualitative research concepts important in instructing trainees as they appraise and begin to develop their own qualitative studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Lin
- Department of Emergency MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Elise Zimmerman
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of PediatricsUniversity of California at San DiegoSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Suchismita Datta
- Department of Emergency MedicineNew York University Long Island School of MedicineMineolaNew YorkUSA
| | - Maurice Selby
- Department of Emergency MedicineEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Teresa Chan
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Division of Education and Innovation, Department of MedicineMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | - Abra Fant
- Department of Emergency MedicineNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
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Frontline Physician Perspectives on Their Experiences Working During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:4233-4240. [PMID: 36123437 PMCID: PMC9484839 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07792-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic physicians worked on the front lines, immersed in uncertainty. Research into perspectives of frontline physicians has lagged behind clinical innovation throughout the pandemic. OBJECTIVE To inform ongoing and future efforts in the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a qualitative exploration of physician perspectives of the effects of policies and procedures as well as lessons learned while caring for patients during the height of the first wave in the spring of 2020. DESIGN A confidential survey was emailed to a convenience sample. Survey questions included demographic data, participant role in the pandemic, and geographic location. Eleven open-ended questions explored their perspectives and advice they would give going forward. Broad areas covered included COVID-19-specific education, discharge planning, unintended consequences for patient care, mental health conditions to anticipate, and personal/institutional factors influencing workforce well-being amid the crisis. PARTICIPANTS We received fifty-five surveys from May through July 2020. Demographic data demonstrated sampling of frontline physicians working in various epicenters in the USA, and diversity in gender, race/ethnicity, and clinical specialty. APPROACH Inductive thematic analysis. KEY RESULTS Four themes emerged through data analysis: (1) Leadership can make or break morale; (2) Leadership should engage frontline workers throughout decision-making processes; (3) Novelty of COVID-19 led to unintended consequences in care delivery; and (4) Mental health sequelae will be profound and pervasive. CONCLUSIONS Our participants demonstrated the benefit of engaging frontline physicians as important stakeholders in policy generation, evaluation, and revision; they highlighted challenges, successes, unintended consequences, and lessons learned from various epicenters in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is much to be learned from the early COVID-19 pandemic crisis; our participants' insights elucidate opportunities to examine institutional performance, effect policy change, and improve crisis management in order to better prepare for this and future pandemics.
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Egan DJ, He C, Leslie Q, Clark MA, Lewiss RE. The Emergency Medicine Resident Retreat: Creating and Sustaining a Transformative and Reflective Experience. Cureus 2022; 14:e27601. [PMID: 36059321 PMCID: PMC9435308 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Burnout rates for emergency medicine residents are high. One intervention and initiative to enhance wellness and address burnout is the resident retreat. Retreats have multiple formats and are often designed with an emphasis on social events. This longitudinal retreat curriculum for a three-year residency training program was designed emphasizing rest, a step away from what is familiar, and reflection. Methods Individual resident retreats were designed for each year of postgraduate training. The agenda for each is organized and intentional. Activities focused on personal well-being, self-reflection, team building, professional development, and physical activities are coupled with topics unique to class year roles and responsibilities. Retreats are held away from the hospital establishing a separation from the workplace. Results The retreat program has been sustainable for almost decades with trainees evaluating it highly. Faculty and residents enthusiastically participate in the program and consider it a fundamental part of the residency; 93.75% of residents surveyed strongly agreed that the retreats benefit their training while 94.2% strongly agreed that retreats increased their enthusiasm for training. Conclusions An emergency medicine resident retreat program focusing on unique elements for each post-graduate year is achievable and sustainable in an emergency medicine residency program. Over time, the retreat has become an integral part of the residency experience with positive experiences for both faculty and trainees.
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