Physicians don’t have time to recharge and recover quickly from work demands. Challenging patient interactions, overbooked clinic schedules, and endless charting leave clinicians exhausted on a daily basis. Current attempts have failed to adequately address burnout at institutional and individual levels as indicated by burnout levels continuing to rise.
We have developed and studied a short pragmatic program that helps physicians identify unhealthy habits and coping mechanisms related to clinical practice, and importantly, to change these to support well-being and improve patient interactions. Using podcast and app-based delivery mechanisms, physicians report a 40% decrease in anxiety, a 30% reduction in burnout (cynicism), and a 14% increase in self-compassion for up to two months after only seven fifteen minute audio lessons. Exit interviews report that they want more.
To address this need, we are offering RechargeMD. After completing the free, seven session prerequisite podcast/app-based short course, physicians can participate in a six-hour virtual training program delivered via Zoom over the course of four weeks (1.5 hours/week). Through modeling, small group interaction, and live practice sessions, physicians will: (1) build on knowledge and skills learned in the short course to sustain and foster healthy habits and (2) gain effective tools to work with common patient interactions, resulting in enhanced healthcare effectiveness and improved physician satisfaction. Additionally, the program will offer an ongoing grassroots community where physicians can come together to support and learn from each other.