Effect of a Novel Online Physician Group-Coaching Program to Reduce Burnout in Trainees: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Enrollment
- 101
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change from baseline Burnout at 6 months, 12 months and 18 months
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This is a single-institution randomized controlled trial. 101 female residents were recurited from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. They enrolled beginning in January 2021 and participated in the coaching program for 6 months via a web-based system. Participants were randomized into either the intervention or wait-list control arm. Participants in the intervention arm began the 6-month coaching program in January, 2021. Participants in the wait-list control arm have received no additional resources from the Better Together program between January and June 2021. The wait-list control group was invited to begin the 6-month coaching program in July 2021. In December 2021, participants from both the intervention and wait-list control groups will be invited to complete a 2nd post survey (identical to the post-survey from June 2021). There will be no incentive for completion of the 2nd post survey. Finally, the longitudinal effect of the program will be assessed by offering the same survey measuring wellbeing via various indices to the intervention arm at 6 months (1/2022), 12 months (7/2022) and 18 months (1/2023) after their intervention. Participation in this survey will be completely voluntary and not incentivized/compensated.
Detailed Description
Background:
Positive psychology coaching programs demonstrate efficacy in reducing emotional exhaustion (a construct of burnout) and improving coping skills among residents but rely on substantial faculty development and coordination for participants. Considering the disproportionate burnout risk faced by women trainees in medicine, novel strategies to mitigate this risk is needed. Among a national sample of resident physicians, 60% screen positive for burnout. Compared to age-matched peers, residents are significantly more likely to experience burnout and have burnout persist into early careers. Female trainees are particularly vulnerable, with long-term consequences affecting professional development and success. Disproportionate burnout among women may be a contributor to the "leaky pipeline" in academic medicine, where women start their careers as 46% of the resident workforce yet represent only 25% of full professors and 18% of department chairs. Social connectedness and the practice of self-compassion are important intervention in reducing burnout and increasing resilience among residents. Positive psychology coaching programs have specifically had demonstrated efficacy in faculty and residents. Web-based group coaching programs have not been assessed for their potential to reduce burnout and improve resilience and well-being among trainees.
A. Outcome Measure(s):
- participation (administrative data)
- participant experience and reflection (interview)
- measures of burnout and self-compassion as measured on a pre- and post- program survey including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Neff Self Compassion Score (SCS). Semi structured qualitative interviews will be led by a PRA upon completion of the 6-month pilot. The interview script will include questions about program content, participant experience, coping skills, interpersonal connectedness, personal and professional satisfaction, and general reflections.
Description of Population to be Enrolled:
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Sequential
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 65 Years (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- Female
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •graduate medical education trainees (residents and fellows) at the University of Colorado
- •Female identifying
Exclusion Criteria
- •Non trainees
- •non- female identifying
Arms & Interventions
Intervention
Enrolled into a 6 month coaching program from January 1 2021 to June 30 2021
Intervention: Better Together Physician Coaching (Behavioral)
Control/Wait-list
No intervention from January 1 2021 to July 1 2021 (they were offered the coaching program from July 1 2021-Dec 31 2021)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change from baseline Burnout at 6 months, 12 months and 18 months
Time Frame: Baseline measurement, post-intervention measurements at 6 months, 12 months and 18 months
The Maslach's burnout inventory is a 22-item measurement of worker burnout which assesses emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal fulfillment (PF) domains. Possible scores range from 0-6 on a Likert scale for each item. Scores oof EE ≥ 27 points, DP ≥ 10, and PF \<33 would indicate a high degree of burnout. Scores of EE≤18 points, DP≤5 points, and PF≥40 points would indicate a low degree of burnout.
Secondary Outcomes
- Change from baseline Moral Injury at 6 months, 12 months and 18 months(Baseline measurement, post-intervention measurements at 6 months, 12 months and 18 months)
- Change from baseline Self Compassion at 6 months, 12 months and 18 months(Baseline measurement, post-intervention measurements at 6 months, 12 months and 18 months)
- Change from baseline Imposter Syndrome at 6 months, 12 months and 18 months(Baseline measurement, post-intervention measurements at 6 months, 12 months and 18 months)