The Master of Applied Positive Psychology Program at 黑料传送门 is tackling the well-documented problem of burnout among medical residents.
This month, MAPP Director Dr. Scott Glassman, and recent MAPP graduate Linda Martin (鈥�23), presented a positive psychology-based workshop as part of 黑料传送门鈥檚 annual multi-site resident orientation. They hope it will bolster a culture of wellness in residency and reduce the potential for burnout.
The workshop offers a preventive health perspective that aims to better insulate residents against the damaging effects of chronic stress. It also helps them implement practices like gratitude and strengths-finding that could enhance their sense of well-being.
鈥淚f we just focus on the worst instances of burnout, with a triage mentality, we miss opportunities to help residents become more proactive about their mental health,鈥� says Dr. Glassman.
Residency is a demanding time that marks a medical student鈥檚 transition into the rigorous and in-depth work of a physician. Sleep disruption, high stress work environments, conflicts with coworkers, and overloaded shifts are just some of the factors that contribute to the condition.
According to , there are three core features of burnout: detachment, emotional exhaustion, and low sense of personal accomplishment.
Residents experience these symptoms at high rates, with according to two studies. The consequences can include depression, , .
Dr. David Kuo, associate dean for Graduate Medical Education at 黑料传送门, cites the additional pressure of autonomy in clinical decision-making.
鈥淵ou are making treatment decisions about very complex medical problems that could have very serious repercussions if you don't choose correctly,鈥� states Kuo. 鈥淭hat is a lot of pressure on someone who is still learning.鈥�
Kuo added that the long hours residents work can negatively affect their personal relationships, limiting time spent with friends and loved ones.
This can create a perfect storm of high stress, diminished connection with others, and a reduction in activities that naturally generate positive emotions.
The first part of an effective prevention plan is increasing self-awareness. This involves helping residents identify when they are entering a 鈥渂urnout danger zone.鈥�
Glassman and Martin presented a validated that can assist with catching early signs. Respondents rate how often they鈥檝e felt burned out and callous toward others. If they indicate once a week or more, they would want to take action to prioritize self-care.
Beyond noticing increases in burnout symptoms, Glassman and Martin presented four strategies around activating gratitude and focusing on personal strengths, which can increase positive emotions and strengthen a positive sense of self:
Dr. Kuo has already elevated personal well-being and burnout prevention to a prominent place in the residency programs he coordinates. A faculty member meets with all programs on a quarterly basis to discuss wellness. Additionally, each program has money set aside for wellness events.
鈥淪ome programs have had a day at a park where they enjoyed the outdoors and had food catered,鈥� says Kuo. 鈥淥thers have gone golfing, bowling, or out to dinner.鈥�
For Kuo, collaborating with the MAPP program represents part of the preventive health mindset.
鈥淚 hope the presentation brought to the forefront, the idea of gratitude,鈥� he says. 鈥淕ratitude not only for others, but for themselves. They need to remember to be kind to themselves and appreciate the high quality care they are providing to the community.鈥�
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