Empowering Wellness in Residency
Tite: Empowering Wellness in Residency
Author: Cassandra Levitske, MD
Abstract
Objective: This quality improvement research project aimed to assess the impact of implementing a Residency Action Plan (RAP) using the Getting Rid of Stupid Stuff (GROSS) methodology, on resident physician wellness.
Background: Physician burnout rates are reaching alarming levels, especially among family physicians, and this crisis extends to medical residents who face significant stress and depression. These conditions affect patient care and undermine the effectiveness of the healthcare system. As physicians and residents struggle with their well-being, the entire system suffers, leading to increased medical errors. This project sought to address the multifaceted issue of poor resident wellness by identifying and addressing barriers reported by residents in their work and daily lives.
Participants: The study involved family medicine residents at the University of Chicago Advent Health Hinsdale.
Methods: In September 2023, a wellness workshop identified resident-reported barriers using Getting Rid of Stupid Stuff (GROSS) guidelines. A Residency Action Plan (RAP) was created and implemented in January 2024, detailing action items, designated leads, and ongoing progress updates. Residents completed a modified Mini-ReZ wellness survey to establish a baseline, with interventions focusing on EMR stress and resident recognition. Monthly town hall and wellness meetings were held to celebrate achievements, re-evaluate the action plan, and explore new approaches. In May 2024, residents completed a modified Mini-ReZ survey to measure the impact of RAP and GROSS interventions in six months.
Results: The project implemented various action items such as schedule adjustments, workflow improvements, mentorship programs, facility upgrades, and support initiatives. It increased overall resident wellness by 19%, reduced work interruptions by 54%, and decreased EHR-related stress by 50%. Improvements were observed in most categories, including reduced burnout symptoms, enhanced care efficiency, less job stress, reduced work outside working hours, improved documentation time, a positive work atmosphere, better sleep, positive relationships with clinical staff, peer support, and departmental recognition.
Challenges: Key challenges included coordinating meeting times due to constantly changing resident schedules and limited time for wellness committee activities. The transition to a new EMR system posed additional barriers. Despite these challenges, efforts to find additional meeting times were made, although these were limited. Future steps include working with administration to secure dedicated time for monthly RAP review meetings.
Conclusion: The GROSS approach, executed through a Residency Action Plan, effectively enhanced resident wellness. Continued use of this method is planned, and its adoption is encouraged among other residency programs prioritizing resident well-being.
