Implementing the 10 Dimensions of Wellness to Reduce Clinician Burnout in Ambulatory Care: An Evidence-based Quality Improvement Initiative
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Date
2024-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Background: Our nation is experiencing high rates of ambulatory and acute care clinicians and healthcare staff burnout. Burnout causes personal and individual loss in the clinician’s mental and physical health, it causes an increase in social and economic costs for their organizations, and it causes a decline in the quality of care provided to patients. Healthcare leaders need to advocate and implement major improvements in the clinical work and learning environments to overcome this national and local crisis.
Purpose/Aim: This EBQI initiative took place at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) clinic located in the Rio Grande Valley. The loss of healthcare clinicians at this clinic jeopardized the fulfillment of the FQHC mission to provide the community with access to high-quality and cost-effective healthcare. This initiative aimed to improve clinician well-being and reduce burnout.
Methods/Implementation: This EBQI initiative implemented the 10 Dimensions of Wellness over 10 weeks at Su Clinica’s four clinic sites. The Maslach Burnout Inventory Emotional Exhaustion (MBI: EE) measure was used to measure provider burnout. Strategies to promote well-being were implemented by conducting monthly and individualized meetings, and by promoting effective communication between administrators and other stakeholders. The implementation also included bringing awareness and validation to the symptoms of provider burnout through education.
Outcomes: Implementation of the 10 Dimensions of Wellness resulted in providers reporting decreased burnout and an increase in their ability to improve their well-being.
Conclusions/Implications for Practice: Ambulatory care is critical in meeting the growing healthcare needs across communities. With the increasing number of uninsured or underinsured patients being treated in ambulatory care settings, the demands on the nurses, providers, and staff can be overwhelming. The stresses can lead to burnout and turnover. Integrating a wellness program, such as the 10 Dimensions of Wellness, can provide strategies for preventing burnout and enhancing clinical well-being.