Abstract

Background

Residency can cause a significant degree of burnout, leading to individuals' ability to establish correct communication with the patient, solve diagnostic dilemmas, and have a good overview of the correct treatment. They spent longer hours with patients.The  COVID19 era has added additional challenges to the programs. Prolonged wearing of personal protective equipment, excessive heat provided by them, lack of hydration, alimentation, sleep deprivation, the modification of the shifts and of the work schedule, the time and the technique of dressing and undressing the protective equipment are some factors that could contribute to burnout syndrome.

Hypothesis

To assess the well-being of the residents of the internal medicine training program in the COVID-19 era To pursue measures and wellness programs to improve the wellness of the residents at MacNeal Hospital. 

Methods

Residency program and AMA collaborated to assess the physician satisfaction and well being by administering MiniZ survey between January and March of 2021. Analysis compared against the AMA Mini Z National Benchmark (N = 1442) Statistical analysis was done by American Medical Association lab and compared with the national average. 

Results

24 people answered the survey that showed a comparable burnout among the residency program compared to national average. Positive relationship, peer support, and department recognition were considered protective positive factors for wellness. EMR stress and concern for family safety among covid times came across as the most stressful factors among residents. 

Conclusion

Initiative such as EMR bootcamp, family meetings for COVID19 questions, peer group support for new incoming interns, peer groups for art education and pursuing hobbies, gym membership, meal card are some of the measures that wellness committee is trying to incorporate in the ongoing active pursuit of wellness in residency program. 

Funding source: None