M09 – How to Reignite Resilience and Reduce Burn Out in Behavioral Health Consultants

Summary

Burn-out is prevalent among health care providers. Recent literature suggests burnout rates among mental health providers have been exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic, and behavioral health consultants (BHC’s) are not immune to this challenge. Many studies suggest that practicing resiliency techniques will lower rates of burn-out in various medical specialties. This pilot study hypothesizes that a virtual, interactive, small group format facilitated by a peer coach will reduce burnout over the study period. This interactive presentation will review the results of a pilot study aimed at improving resiliency in BHC’s and will engage participants in resilience building strategies. The content of this pilot study has been used to teach our residents and fellows about resiliency and is based on the book “Everyday Resilience”, which is a guide to developing resiliency written by master coach and physician, Gail Gazelle. Topics of discussion include coaching on connection, flexibility, perseverance, self-regulation, positivity, and self-care. The intervention consists of eight, 60 minute, virtual, interactive sessions occurring every 2 weeks led by a physician coach. These sessions are held during work hours which reflects the commitment of the institution to improving wellbeing among its providers. Pre-work is completed and reviewed at each session. Participants also receive an email each week that features a brief resiliency topic. Participants are encouraged to choose a resiliency buddy from the cohort to offer encouragement to and to hold accountable during the intervention. Pre and post intervention measures include the Mini-Z Burnout survey. Analysis will include comparison of group and individual pre and post intervention data. Data is being collected at the time of this submission. The presenters assert that resiliency interventions like this, performed by healthcare peers can improve wellbeing, camaraderie and reduce burnout among provider populations such as BHC’s. Further investigation as to the long-term retention of these resiliency habits has yet to be completed.