Developing and piloting awell-being program for hospital-based physicians.

Maarten P M Debets,Renée A Scheepers,Kikim J M H Lombarts,Nathalie I R Hugenholtz

doi:10.1007/s40037-020-00600-5

Abstract

BackgroundDemanding working conditions in medical practice pressurise the well-being of physicians across all career stages, likely harming patients and healthcare systems. Structural solutions to harmful working conditions are necessary as well as interventions to support physicians in contemporary practice. We report on developing and piloting a team-based program for physicians to improve their working conditions and well-being.ApproachProgram development steps involved: a preparatory phase, needs assessment, and program design. The program consisted of (1) a feedback tool addressing working conditions and well-being, and an intervention including (2a) a facilitated team dialogue and (2b) a team training on communication and collaborative job crafting. In the program’s pilot, 377 physicians from 48 teams in 14 Dutch hospitals used the feedback tool. Four teams participated in the team dialogue. Two teams performed the team training.EvaluationPhysicians indicated that the program was a useful format to gain insight into their working conditions and well-being, and possibly to improve their well-being collaboratively.ReflectionWe provide seven critical reflections on developing and piloting our program, accompanied by recommendations for developing well-being interventions. Our development approach, program components, and recommendations may support physicians and other healthcare professionals in demanding work environments.

Highlights

Demanding working conditions in medical practice pressurise the well-being of physicians across all career stages, likely harming patients and healthcare systems
Following the approved grant proposal, the program included (1) a feedback tool addressing working conditions and well-being, and (2) a team-based intervention aimed at improving working conditions
The feedback report included results benchmarked against ratings from peers and explained the job demands-resources (JD-R) model assisting physicians to analyse working conditions in relation to their well-being

Summary

Background and need for innovation

Physicians’ well-being is essential for delivering highquality patient care [1,2,3]. the well-being of medical students and physicians across all career stages is at considerable risk, evidenced by many studies showing high levels of burnout [4, 5]. We reflect on developing and piloting the program This contribution aims to inform healthcare professionals and intervention developers, and support them in improving physicians’ well-being. The goal of our program was to assist physicians in improving their working conditions and well-being. Following the approved grant proposal, the program included (1) a feedback tool addressing working conditions and well-being, and (2) a team-based intervention aimed at improving working conditions. An intervention should provide a positive and psychologically safe environment It should address team members’ shared workplace issues (e.g. lack of social support) while respecting individuals’ needs (e.g. no collegial contact outside working hours). Physicians indicated preferred methods of discussing the feedback tool’s results and evidence-based interventions. Physicians preferred to discuss the feedback tool’s results in a facilitated team dialogue.

Feedback tool

Evaluation of innovation

Evaluation

Conclusion