Case Studies
In-depth case studies provide actionable solutions to promote clinician well-being and reduce burnout.
Background and Approach
The following case studies highlight organizational initiatives that have demonstrated success in supporting well-being and reducing burnout among practicing clinicians, trainees, and/or students. The case studies are intended to inform and inspire organizations facing similar challenges and seeking similar outcomes. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution for clinician well-being, techniques and resources described in the case studies may provide a useful starting point for other groups.
Approach
Case studies were authored by members of the National Academy of Medicine’s (NAM’s) Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience and NAM staff on the basis of extensive interviews, document review, and site visits. Each case study was externally peer reviewed.
To select subjects for the case studies, authors considered diversity in profession, clinical/educational setting, and type of intervention. In addition, each subject was required to meet the following criteria:
- Addresses the system-level driver(s) of clinician burnout and well-being as identified by the Action Collaborative’s Conceptual Model of the Factors Affecting Clinician Well-Being and Resilience
- Has been implemented for more than 6 months
- Measures and reports outcomes data
- Demonstrates success in promoting well-being and reducing burnout
This project is ongoing, and additional case studies will be posted when complete. Suggestions for case studies may be submitted to ClinicianWellBeing@nas.edu.
All Case Studies
Virginia Mason Kirkland Medical Center
Virginia Mason Kirkland Medical Center is an outpatient clinic that has fostered intentional programs and policies to support clinician well-being. Two pillars play a central role: workflow optimization and culture.
Organizational Strategies
About: Medical assistant, Nurse, Pharmacy health care provider, Physician, Physician assistant
The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is a public research university that has fostered intentional and persistent initiatives to support the well-being of its students, trainees, and practicing clinicians.
Organizational Strategies
About: Educator, Nurse, Physician, Student/Trainee
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University College of Medicine, home to more than 800 students, offers a variety of curriculum- and non-curriculum-based programs to enhance and support student well-being. Its culture, rooted...About: Student/Trainee
College of Nursing
The Ohio State University College of Nursing—home to approximately 2,200 students enrolled in baccalaureate, master’s, doctorate of nursing practice, and doctorate programs—offers a variety of curriculum and...About: Nurse, Student/Trainee
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Residency can be an inherently stressful time, and the transition from medical student to resident can be an especially stressful event. Needs assessments and dedicated long-term resources have been essentia...About: Student/Trainee
Wexner Medical Center
Clinicians around the country face a variety of stressors that can lead to burnout and decreased well-being. At Ohio State, efforts to promote and support clinician well-being include facilitated traumatic e...About: Nurse, Physician
Webinar Series
The NAM hosted a case study webinar series to provide a platform for readers to ask questions of program developers and leadership.
• The Ohio State University case study webinar occurred on Thursday, November 21. View the recording and speaker presentations >>
• The Virginia Mason case study webinar occurred on Thursday, January 16. View the recording and speaker presentations >>
Promote the Case Studies
Share the case studies across your networks! Make use of sample Twitter posts, Facebook posts, social media graphics, newsletter/press release text, and an email template. All of the resources are free to download. We encourage you to use these materials on your website, in newsletters, and across social media.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in these case studies are not necessarily those of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), or the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies). The case studies are intended to help inform and stimulate discussion. They are not reports of the NAM or the National Academies. The NAM and the National Academies do not necessarily endorse the approaches taken in the case studies. Copyright by the National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
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