Promoting Well-being Among Neurology Residents: A Data-Driven Approach.

objectiveTo assess whether the creation of a formal structure to measure and promote wellness among neurology residents would facilitate the development of interventions associated with measurable improvements.

methodsIn 2018 we founded the Resident Wellness Committee for the Department of Neurology at our institution. The Resident Wellness Committee was led by resident and staff neurologist co-chairs and had as its vision to promote well-being through initiatives centered in work-life integration, emotional and physical well-being, and social engagement. Web-based surveys assessing various aspects of well-being were administered at baseline and 1 year after launch, comprising the period June 21, 2018, through June 30, 2019.

resultsResponse rates were high at baseline (21 of 34; 62%) and follow-up (25 of 33; 76%). Interventions pursued in the interim included education on handling unexpected absences, adjustments to holiday schedule policies, infrastructure for nutrition and respite, and a team-based department fitness challenge, among others. Overall, at both timepoints more than 80% (18 of 21; 21 of 25) of respondents endorsed at least mild burnout symptoms, although clinical workload, independence, and education were overwhelmingly viewed positively throughout. Notable improvements at follow-up included greater comfort with adjusting schedules at times of need, increased camaraderie within the program, and a smaller proportion of respondents endorsing substantial burnout symptoms.

conclusionThrough deliberate and sustained efforts backed by data, our work demonstrates that concrete changes can be successfully pursued to promote well-being among neurology residents. Given that Neurology has one of the highest burnout rates among medical specialties, our approach may serve as a model for other programs to replicate.