A quality improvement initiative to improve operating room well-being: the Microaffirmations in Perioperative Personnel Project (The MAPP Project).
Burnout and lack of professional fulfilment are prevalent among perioperative personnel, often exacerbated by a culture that lacks positive reinforcement. Microaffirmations-small, intentional acts of recognition-may offer a scalable strategy to improve workplace culture and well-being. The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of a microaffirmation-based intervention, the Microaffirmations in Perioperative Personnel Project (MAPP Project), on professional fulfilment and burnout. The secondary objective was to evaluate changes in perceived and experienced microaggressions among perioperative staff. A toolkit of microaffirmation examples was disseminated to perioperative members, and volunteer peer MAPP coaches modelled affirming behaviours. Surveys were administered at baseline before start of the intervention and at 3 and 6 months after the end of the intervention. The primary outcomes of professional fulfilment and burnout were measured using the validated Professional Fulfillment Index. Secondary outcomes including perceived and experienced microaggressions were assessed via a custom Microaggressions Impact Questionnaire. A total of 388 responses were collected across the three time points. Mean fulfilment scores increased from 2.53 at baseline to 2.67 at 6 months (P=0.222), whereas burnout scores decreased from 1.06 to 0.87 (P=0.029). Perceived microaggressions and their reported impact also declined. Among 67 participants who completed all three surveys, trends were consistent but not statistically significant. Survey response rates were 63%, 40%, and 41% at each time point, respectively. The MAPP Project was associated with improved fulfilment, reduced burnout, and decreased perceived microaggressions among perioperative staff. These findings suggest that microaffirmation-based interventions may be a feasible and effective strategy to enhance workplace culture in health care settings.
- Research Article
53
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0252778
- Jun 9, 2021
- PLOS ONE
Physician wellness is vital to career satisfaction, provision of high quality patient care, and the successful education of the next generation of physicians. Despite this, the number of physicians experience symptoms of burnout is rising. To assess the impact of organizational culture on physicians' professional fulfillment and burnout, we surveyed full-time Department of Medicine members at the University of Toronto. A cross-sectional survey assessed: physician factors (age, gender, minority status, disability, desire to reduce clinical workload); workplace culture (efforts to create a collegial environment, respectful/civil interactions, confidence to address unprofessionalism without reprisal, witnessed and/or personally experienced unprofessionalism); professional fulfillment and burnout using the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index. We used multivariable linear regression to examine the relationship of measures of workplace culture on professional fulfillment and burnout (scores 0-10), controlling for physician factors. Of 419 respondents (52.0% response rate), we included 400 with complete professional fulfillment and burnout data in analyses (60% ≤ age 50, 45% female). Mean scores for professional fulfillment and burnout were 6.7±1.9 and 2.8±1.9, respectively. Controlling for physician factors, professional fulfillment was associated with satisfaction with efforts to create a collegial environment (adjusted beta 0.45, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.70) and agreement that colleagues were respectful/civil (adjusted beta 0.85, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.17). Lower professional fulfillment was associated with higher burnout scores. Controlling for professional fulfillment and physician factors, lower confidence in taking action to address unprofessionalism (adjusted beta -0.22, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.03) was associated with burnout. Organizational culture and physician factors had an impact on professional fulfillment and burnout. Professional fulfillment partially mediated the relationship between organizational culture and burnout. Strategies that promote inclusion, respect and civility, and safe ways to report workplace unprofessionalism are needed in academic medicine.
- Research Article
9
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0252778.r004
- Jun 9, 2021
- PLoS ONE
Physician wellness is vital to career satisfaction, provision of high quality patient care, and the successful education of the next generation of physicians. Despite this, the number of physicians experience symptoms of burnout is rising. To assess the impact of organizational culture on physicians’ professional fulfillment and burnout, we surveyed full-time Department of Medicine members at the University of Toronto. A cross-sectional survey assessed: physician factors (age, gender, minority status, disability, desire to reduce clinical workload); workplace culture (efforts to create a collegial environment, respectful/civil interactions, confidence to address unprofessionalism without reprisal, witnessed and/or personally experienced unprofessionalism); professional fulfillment and burnout using the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index. We used multivariable linear regression to examine the relationship of measures of workplace culture on professional fulfillment and burnout (scores 0–10), controlling for physician factors. Of 419 respondents (52.0% response rate), we included 400 with complete professional fulfillment and burnout data in analyses (60% ≤ age 50, 45% female). Mean scores for professional fulfillment and burnout were 6.7±1.9 and 2.8±1.9, respectively. Controlling for physician factors, professional fulfillment was associated with satisfaction with efforts to create a collegial environment (adjusted beta 0.45, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.70) and agreement that colleagues were respectful/civil (adjusted beta 0.85, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.17). Lower professional fulfillment was associated with higher burnout scores. Controlling for professional fulfillment and physician factors, lower confidence in taking action to address unprofessionalism (adjusted beta -0.22, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.03) was associated with burnout. Organizational culture and physician factors had an impact on professional fulfillment and burnout. Professional fulfillment partially mediated the relationship between organizational culture and burnout. Strategies that promote inclusion, respect and civility, and safe ways to report workplace unprofessionalism are needed in academic medicine.
- Research Article
46
- 10.1111/jocn.16463
- Aug 10, 2022
- Journal of clinical nursing
Aims and objectives(1) To investigate the vulnerability of nurses to experiencing professional burnout and low fulfilment across 5 months of the COVID‐19 pandemic. (2) To identify modifiable variables in hospital leadership and individual vulnerabilities that may mitigate these effects.BackgroundNurses were at increased risk for burnout and low fulfilment prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Hospital leadership factors such as organisational structure and open communication and consideration of employee opinions are known to have positive impacts on work attitudes. Personal risk factors for burnout include symptoms of depression and anxiety.MethodsHealthcare workers (n = 406 at baseline, n = 234 longitudinal), including doctors (n = 102), nurses (n = 94), technicians (n = 90) and non‐clinical administrative staff (n = 120), completed 5 online questionnaires, once per month, for 5 months. Participants completed self‐report questionnaires on professional fulfilment and burnout, perceptions of healthcare leadership, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Participants were recruited from various healthcare settings in the southeastern United States. The STROBE checklist was used to report the present study.ResultsBoth at baseline and across the 5 months, nurses working during the COVID‐19 pandemic reported increased burnout and decreased fulfilment relative to doctors. For all participants, burnout remained largely steady and fulfilment decreased slightly. The strongest predictors of both burnout and fulfilment were organisational structure and depressive symptoms. Leadership consideration and anxiety symptoms had smaller, yet significant, relationships to burnout and fulfilment in longitudinal analyses.ConclusionsBurnout and reduced fulfilment remain a problem for healthcare workers, especially nurses. Leadership styles and employee symptoms of depression and anxiety are appropriate targets for intervention.Relevance to clinical practiceLeadership wishing to reduce burnout and increase fulfilment among employees should increase levels of organisational support and consideration and expand supports to employees seeking treatment for depression and anxiety.
- Research Article
18
- 10.1111/acem.14487
- Apr 22, 2022
- Academic Emergency Medicine
Professional fulfillment and the mitigation of burnout can enhance clinician well-being and the resiliency of the health care organization. This study examined the extent to which specific individual and workplace factors are associated with professional fulfillment and burnout among a national sample of academic emergency physicians. This was a cross-sectional survey of faculty members of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. Primary outcomes were professional fulfillment and burnout. The survey also examined individual and workplace factors as well as faculty's thoughts of attrition from academic and clinical medicine. Logistic regression was performed to determine the relationships between each outcome and each factor, respectively. A total of 771 of 3130 faculty completed the survey (response rate 24.6%). A total of 38.7% reported professional fulfillment and 39.1% reported burnout. Meaningfulness of work (odds ratio [OR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-2.5), perceived appreciation (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.7-2.1), and the academic work environment (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5-1.9) had the highest odds of being associated with professional fulfillment. In contrast, low score responses for meaningfulness of work (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5-0.6), self-compassion (0.6, 95% CI 0.5-0.6), and control over schedule (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.6-0.7) were most associated with burnout. Faculty with professional fulfillment were less likely to report plans for attrition from academics (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.1-0.2) and from clinical medicine (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.4). Faculty with burnout were more likely to report plans for attrition from academics (OR 7, 95% CI 4.8-10.4) and clinical medicine (OR 5.7, 95% CI 3.9-8.6). Individual and workplace factors that contributed to professional fulfillment and burnout were identified, with meaningfulness of clinical work demonstrating the strongest association with both occupational phenomena. Knowledge of which factors are most impactful in promoting professional fulfillment and mitigating burnout may be useful in guiding efforts to enhance clinician well-being.
- Abstract
- 10.1016/s0090-8258(21)00667-3
- Aug 1, 2021
- Gynecologic Oncology
Professional fulfillment and burnout among physicians at a large NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Research Article
5
- 10.5116/ijme.6639.1a23
- Jun 15, 2024
- International journal of medical education
To assess the workplace drivers of professional fulfilment, burnout and perceived impact of workplace issues on wellbeing in doctors working in a regional Australian hospital, following a 6-month period of comprehensive workforce nurturing strategies. An online cross-sectional survey combined both qualitative feedback and quantitative measures of wellbeing including the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index to assess professional fulfillment and burnout and a workplace issues inventory to assess the relative perceived influence on work-related wellbeing. Survey responses from 124 doctors comprised approximately 60% (n=74) prevocational doctors, 12% (n=15) registrars and 28% (n=35) specialist doctors. Around 63% (n=78) of participants were international medical graduates. Overall, 25% (n=31) reported professional fulfilment and 13% (n=13) reported burnout. The top 6 workplace issues were (i) inefficient work practices and/or processes, (ii) medical officer vacancies in my department, (iii) inadequate support staff and/or excessive admin burden, (iv) inadequate workplace staff amenities, (v) poor access to nutritious onsite food, (vi) inability to access my entitled daily meal break. Factors perceived as having a minimal impact on wellbeing included learning opportunities, rostering, access to leave and support during challenging clinical situations, were directly related to the workforce nurturing strategies implemented. This comprehensive evaluation of wellbeing in a regional healthcare setting provides a novel contribution to the literature by illustrating the transformative potential of workforce nurturing. Notably, the findings reflect the potential impact of workforce nurturing upon professional fulfilment and burnout, in the context of a regional hospital setting.
- Research Article
- 10.5811/westjem.21199
- Sep 25, 2024
- The western journal of emergency medicine
Clinician burnout represents a significant occupational hazard among physicians, with a notably high prevalence among emergency physicians. The Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI) was developed to comprehensively assess various aspects of doctors' work experiences, including professional fulfillment. In this study we aimed to validate the Turkish version of the PFI (T-PFI), a 16-item instrument designed to measure physicians' professional fulfillment and burnout. In this cross-sectional study, we validated the T-PFI in two phases. The initial phase involved translating and culturally adapting the original PFI into Turkish. We evaluated the content validity of the translated version using item and scale content validity indices (I-CVI and S-CVI, respectively). The validated T-PFI was then distributed among a broad cohort of emergency physicians via an online survey to further assess its reliability and validity. The assessment tools included Cronbach α, confirmatory factor analysis, and content validity indices. Of 1,434 physicians who were sent the survey, 425 fully completed it (29.6%). There was an almost equal distribution of 215 females and 210 males. Only 9.6% of the participants reported high levels of professional fulfillment, whereas a significant majority (79.1%) were susceptible to burnout. The Cronbach α values for the professional fulfillment and overall burnout scales were 0.87 and 0.90, respectively. The content validity was confirmed by I-CVI values exceeding 0.80 and an S-CVI/average relevance of 0.92. The confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated an acceptable model fit after adjustments. The T-PFI is a reliable and valid tool for assessing professional fulfillment and burnout among emergency physicians in Turkey. Effective interventions to mitigate burnout are essential to improve physician well-being in Turkish healthcare settings.
- Research Article
- 10.1177/2325967123s00032
- Jul 1, 2023
- Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
Objectives: Learning objectives: Define differences between integrated versus rotating team-based models of care Identify tools to assess professional fulfillment, burnout, and clinical efficiency Understand the impact of integrated versus rotating team-based care models on care team members well-being Project objective/background: Team-based healthcare improves patient access, billable services, and recruitment/retention (1). The staff roles and tasks impacts working to top of license (2) which likely contribute to professional fulfillment and well-being at work. However, well-being measures comparing team-staffing models have not been described. We compare well-being measures of an Integrated Consistent Care-Team Model (ICCM) with Rotating Care-Team Model (RTM) in pediatric sports medicine clinics. Our hypothesis is that ICCM providers and staff would consistently demonstrate greater professional fulfillment, less burnout, greater clinical efficiency, and more advanced team development compared to RTM providers and staff. Methods: We identified an ICCM and RTM model within one healthcare system. The ICCM group includes one core team of pediatric sports medicine providers and staff (n=6), consistently located in the same outpatient practice setting. The RTM includes varying provider and staff team members at varying locations (n=7). All care team members from both models completed three assessments (at 0 and 7 months) of professional fulfillment, burnout, and perception of team development. Metrics used included the Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI), a 16-item survey measuring professional fulfillment and burnout, the Mini-Z_2.0, a 10-item survey measuring burnout via Supportive Work Environment and Practice Efficiency subscales, and the Team Development Measure (TDM), a 31-item survey measuring team development. EMR Data was also analyzed to determine trends in efficiency and practice across the RTM and ICCM groups. Results: PFI results taken at both time periods indicated higher rates of Professional Fulfillment in the ICCM group than the RTM Group. A cutoff point of 3.00 or greater is indicative of professional fulfillment and was demonstrated by the ICCM group at both time points (M=3.31, SD=0.33; M=3.37, SD=0.30). RTM team members scored significantly higher (unfavorable) than ICCM team members on PFI Overall Burnout Scale and showed higher scores in Work Exhaustion and Interpersonal Disengagement subscales. Mini-Z_2.0 results were favorable for ICCM team members on the Supportive Work Environment and Practice Efficiency subscales at both time periods. Overall scaled scores for the ICCM team were greater than the cutoff point of 40 at both time periods, indicating a joyful workplace, in contrast to RTM scores which were below the cutoff points on subscale scores and overall scores at both time periods. ICCM members also trended higher in team development scores on the TDM survey at both time periods. A Welch’s t-test was performed for the Mini-Z and PFI data collection and determined results were statistically significant across both samples and time periods. Furthermore, ICCM providers yielded better EMR efficiency metrics than their RTM colleagues, including less in basket management, PJ time, clinical review and EMR time on unscheduled days at both time periods. Both groups averaged a similar number of appointments per day at each time point (M=9.51 in January; M=11.61 in August). Conclusions: This study describes differences in well-being measures for providers and staff within a pediatric sports medicine ambulatory clinic setting when comparing two different care team models across a 7-month period, suggesting that consistent care-team with core providers and less variability has advantages to provider and staff well-being.
- Abstract
1
- 10.1016/s0090-8258(21)00666-1
- Aug 1, 2021
- Gynecologic Oncology
Does COVID-19 compromise SGO member well-being?
- Research Article
3
- 10.1213/ane.0000000000006384
- Jul 14, 2023
- Anesthesia and analgesia
Increased burnout and decreased professional fulfillment among intensive care physicians is partly due to intensive care unit (ICU) workload. Although the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic increased ICU workload, it also may have increased feelings of personal fulfillment due to positive public perceptions of physicians caring for COVID patients. We surveyed critical care anesthesiologists to identify the effect of provider demographics, ICU workload, and COVID-19-related workload, on professional fulfillment and burnout. We performed an exploratory survey of 606 members of the Society of Critical Care Anesthesiologists (SOCCA) in January and February 2022. We used the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI) to grade levels of professional fulfillment and markers of burnout (ie, work exhaustion and disengagement). Univariable and multivariable models were used to identify associations between provider demographics and practice characteristics and professional fulfillment and work exhaustion. One hundred and seventy-five intensivists (29%) responded. A total of 65% were male and 49% were between 36 and 45 years old. The overall median PFI score-0 (none) to 24 (most professional fulfillment)-was 17 (IQR, 1-24), with a wide distribution of responses. In multivariable analysis, factors associated with higher professional fulfillment included age >45 years ( P =.004), ≤15 weeks full-time ICU coverage in 2020 ( P =.02), role as medical director ( P =.01), and nighttime home call with supervision of in-house ICU fellows ( P =.01). Professional fulfillment and work exhaustion in this cross-sectional survey were associated with several demographic and practice characteristics but not COVID-19-related workload, suggesting that COVID-19 workload may not have either positive or negative perceptions on professional fulfillment.
- Research Article
13
- 10.1016/j.clinimag.2022.08.014
- Aug 24, 2022
- Clinical imaging
Prevalence of burnout in private practice radiology leaders
- Research Article
3
- 10.1177/2473974x221100547
- Apr 1, 2022
- OTO Open
ObjectiveThe goal of this study is to assess burnout and professional fulfillment during the initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic among otolaryngology practitioners.Study DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingInternational survey of otolaryngologists during a pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was performed from April 24 to May 8, 2020, via email and social media platforms to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on otolaryngology practitioners in academic and private practice. The Professional Fulfillment Index was used to assess professional fulfillment and burnout. Burnout was divided into work exhaustion and interpersonal disengagement.ResultsOf 243 respondents, 202 completed the Professional Fulfillment Index portion of the survey. An average score ≥3 on the professional fulfillment section correlates with fulfillment, while an average score ≥1.33 on the burnout section correlates with burnout. The average score of professional fulfillment was 2.17, with 85.6% of respondents reporting lack of professional fulfillment. The average score on burnout was 1, with 40.1% of otolaryngologists reporting burnout. In multivariable analyses, females were found to have statistically lower professional fulfillment (beta = −2.28, P = .010) with higher rates of work exhaustion (beta = 0.62, P < .001), interpersonal disengagement (beta = 2.08, P = .023), and burnout (beta = 4.49, P = .002).ConclusionEarly in the COVID-19 pandemic, most participants reported a lack of professional fulfillment while just under half experienced burnout. Female gender was associated with low professional fulfillment and high work exhaustion, interpersonal disengagement, and burnout. Attention to burnout and job satisfaction during a pandemic is critical for the appropriate well-being of otolaryngology practitioners.
- Research Article
11
- 10.1097/phm.0000000000002216
- Feb 16, 2023
- American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Multiple national studies suggest that among physicians, physiatrists are at increased risk for occupational burnout. The aim of the study is to identify characteristics of the work environment associated with professional fulfillment and burnout among US physiatrists. Between May and December 2021, a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach was used to identify factors contributing to professional fulfillment and burnout in physiatrists. Online interviews, focus groups, and survey were conducted. The participants are physiatrists in the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Membership Masterfile. Burnout and professional fulfillment were assessed using the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index. Individual interviews with 21 physiatrists were conducted to identify domains that contributed to professional fulfillment followed by focus groups for further definition. Based on themes identified, scales were identified or developed to evaluate: control over schedule (6 items, Cronbach α = 0.86); integration of physiatry into patient care (3 items, Cronbach α = 0.71); personal-organizational values alignment (3 items, Cronbach α = 0.90); meaningfulness of physiatrist clinical work (6 items, Cronbach α = 0.90); teamwork and collaboration (3 items, Cronbach α = 0.89). Of 5760 physiatrists contacted in the subsequent national survey, 882 (15.4%) returned surveys (median age, 52 yrs; 46.1% women). Overall, 42.6% (336 of 788) experienced burnout and 30.6% (244 of 798) had high levels of professional fulfillment. In multivariable analysis, each one-point improvement in control over schedule (odds ratio = 1.96; 95% confidence interval = 1.45-2.69), integration of physiatry into patient care (odds ratio = 1.77; 95% confidence interval = 1.32-2.38), personal-organizational values alignment (odds ratio = 1.92; 95% confidence interval = 1.48-2.52), meaningfulness of physiatrist clinical work (odds ratio = 2.79; 95% confidence interval = 1.71-4.71), and teamwork and collaboration score (odds ratio = 2.11; 95% confidence interval = 1.48-3.03) was independently associated with higher likelihood of professional fulfillment. Control over schedule, optimal integration of physiatry into clinical care, personal-organizational values alignment, teamwork, and meaningfulness of physiatrist clinical work are strong and independent drivers of occupational well-being in US physiatrists. Variation in these domains by practice setting and subspecialty suggests that tailored approaches are needed to promote professional fulfillment and reduce burnout among US physiatrists.
- Research Article
2
- 10.1002/pmrj.12961
- May 1, 2023
- PM&R
Occupational Characteristics Associated with Professional Fulfillment and Burnout Among U.S. Physiatrists.
- Research Article
546
- 10.1007/s40596-017-0849-3
- Dec 1, 2017
- Academic Psychiatry
ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI), a 16-item instrument to assess physicians’ professional fulfillment and burnout, designed for sensitivity to change attributable to interventions or other factors affecting physician well-being.MethodsA sample of 250 physicians completed the PFI, a measure of self-reported medical errors, and previously validated measures including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), a one-item burnout measure, the World Health Organization’s abbreviated quality of life assessment (WHOQOL-BREF), and PROMIS short-form depression, anxiety, and sleep-related impairment scales. Between 2 and 3 weeks later, 227 (91%) repeated the PFI and the sleep-related impairment scale.ResultsPrincipal components analysis justified PFI subscales for professional fulfillment, work exhaustion, and interpersonal disengagement. Test-retest reliability estimates were 0.82 for professional fulfillment (α = 0.91), 0.80 for work exhaustion (α = 0.86), 0.71 for interpersonal disengagement (α = 0.92), and 0.80 for overall burnout (α = 0.92). PFI burnout measures correlated highly (r ≥ 0.50) with their closest related MBI equivalents. Cohen’s d effect size differences in self-reported medical errors for high versus low burnout classified using the PFI and the MBI were 0.55 and 0.44, respectively. PFI scales correlated in expected directions with sleep-related impairment, depression, anxiety, and WHOQOL-BREF scores. PFI scales demonstrated sufficient sensitivity to detect expected effects of a two-point (range 8–40) change in sleep-related impairment.ConclusionsPFI scales have good performance characteristics including sensitivity to change and offer a novel contribution by assessing professional fulfillment in addition to burnout.