930 Evaluating and improving trainee well-being in a tertiary children’s hospital

Abstract

<h3>Aims</h3> In July 2021, Birmingham Women’s Children’s Hospital (BWCH) recruited two champions to raise the priority of trainee well-being. The project aimed to assess overall well-being using a validated measure and apply evidenced based interventions to improve junior doctor well-being and therefore the care provided to patients <h3>Methods</h3> Baseline well-being of junior doctors was measured using the Warwick -Edinburgh Mental Well-being scale (WEMWBS) We conducted a web-based survey including all junior doctors and posters containing QR codes were put up in key areas. Completing the survey gave participants the option of entering a prize draw. WEMWBS contains 14 questions with 5 responses to each. The questions are all worded positively and incorporate the feelings and functioning determinants of well-being. The responses are -<i>None of the time, rarely, some of the time, often and all of the time.</i> Each question was then scored. With the results of this survey, we decided to act on improving the working conditions for the doctors at the hospital. Based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs we laid emphasis on the psychological needs as many previous interventions have focused on physiological needs. Collaboration has been the key to our success. We have been supported by Well-being Champions from other Trusts, Chief People Officer, and Inclusion Champion from across our trust. But the most fruitful collaborations have been directly with trainees. Our own training needs were identified, and courses attended on psychological first aid, psychological well-being and compassionate leadership. Regular Pastoral support meetings for trainees new to training and the Trust, were initiated to provide support. Focusing on needs specific to trainees such as career advice and support with challenging situations in outside of work. A monthly peer support meeting was trialed to give doctors an opportunity to de-brief positive and negative experiences. This has been well received and will be rolled out to the rest of the trust. Sharing food is a great catalyst for conversation and to provide an environment where teams can bond and debrief funding was sort to provide a weekly free breakfast which has proved successful and cost effective. <h3>Results</h3> 112 responses. All grades of doctors participated. Most of the responses were distributed midway between <i>some of the time</i> and <i>often</i>. A few were interspersed around <i>none of the time</i> and <i>all of the time</i>. Of a total score of 70 the average was 47 (Range-34-63). Between August 2021 to October 2021, we conducted a survey using the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale to measure the wellbeing of Postgraduate doctors in training and received 112 responses where most of the responses fell between some of the time and often. The average score was 47 out of 70 (figures 1 and table 1). <h3>Conclusion</h3> The WEMWBS survey results showed that most Trainees are in the median range of happiness quotient. The key lessons learned are that wide collaboration is the key to success with early trainee involvement. Surveys can provide a wealth of information but should be validated for their specific use. High completion rates can be achieved through incentives and ensuring access to the survey is widely publicised in multiple formats. The journey of improving well-being of junior doctors has just begun and we seek to build on success to create a culture of well-being.