SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Improving Hospitalist Well-Being: Results From Baseline Emotional Exhaustion Survey

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This quality improvement project examined emotional exhaustion and burnout among hospitalists at Duke University Hospital during the COVID era. The team developed a 30-item anonymous survey that included the 5-item Emotional Exhaustion scale from the Maslach Burnout Inventory, along with demographic questions, items about workplace violence, self-reported medical errors, and free-text responses. Surveys were distributed in spring 2022 (baseline) and fall 2022 (follow-up) after interventions that included Leadership WalkRounds and Listening Sessions. The survey was also shared with three additional hospitalist groups.<br /><br />At Duke, baseline results showed that emotional exhaustion symptoms were common, though severity was generally modest: 36.5% of respondents had mild emotional exhaustion and 17% had moderate emotional exhaustion. Baseline burnout prevalence was 49% (30 respondents). After interventions, 50.8% (28 respondents) met or exceeded the burnout threshold; this change was not statistically significant (p = 0.265).<br /><br />Expanded analysis across three additional sites (n = 163) found several important patterns. Higher burnout scores were seen among hospitalists who reported ordering the wrong test in the past year, those working less than 100% direct clinical care time, and those experiencing verbal threats, harassment, or physical violence from patients or visitors. There was no correlation between emotional exhaustion and years in practice.<br /><br />The authors conclude that emotional exhaustion is common among hospitalists and that workplace security remains an important concern. Ongoing efforts to support hospitalist well-being are critical for both patient safety and workforce retention.

Asset Subtitle

Noel Ivey

Meta Tag

Author List Kathyrn Adair, Noel Ivey

Category Research

Concept Hospitalist Well-Being

Concept Burnout

Concept Emotional Exhaustion

Concept Patient Safety

Concept Quality Improvement Project

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Duke University Hospital

Presenting Author Noel Ivey

Track Quality Improvement

Keywords

emotional exhaustion

burnout

hospitalists

COVID era

quality improvement

Maslach Burnout Inventory

workplace violence

medical errors

Leadership WalkRounds

Listening Sessions

Hospitalist Well-Being

Burnout

Emotional Exhaustion

Patient Safety

Quality Improvement Project