I08 – Individual and Organizational Strategies for Responding to Burnout in Primary Care Settings

Summary

We will share learnings from three organizational and individual strategies being implemented in Oregon to support primary care teams, including integrated Behavioral Health Clinicians (BHC). 1) A monthly BHC Community of Practice was launched in October 2021 in response to significant burnout that integrated BHCs are experiencing and a marked increase in leaving primary care for specialty work. Sponsored by a regional payer, the BHC Community of Practice creates a supportive peer community while also addressing gaps in clinical knowledge related to successful implementation of the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model during the pandemic. 2) THRIVE is a year-long community of primary care organizations working together to support staff vitality and organizational wellness. A pilot cohort of 15 diverse primary care practices launched in September 2021. THRIVE members participate in monthly learning collaboratives, leadership coaching, and an anonymous pre and post survey of all staff and providers. Baseline data of 358 respondents across all practices showed significant variation in needs based on role at the practice, which lead to tailored interventions for PCPs, BHCs, RNs, MAs, and practice administrators. Post survey data will indicate if organization-level interventions are successful at addressing staff vitality. However, early qualitative feedback indicates we are filling a critical need for primary care providers and their care teams. 3) Funded by a large regional payer, we provide individual technical assistance (TA) and clinical coaching to support effective behavioral health integration at approximately 150 primary care practices throughout Oregon. Individual TA for integrated BHCs is critical for addressing gaps in knowledge, maintaining fidelity to PCBH, value-based payment success, and for supporting clinicians on the front line of addressing behavioral health needs during the pandemic.