Kaiser Permanente has successfully implemented a peer support program aimed at reducing burnout and improving the well-being of physicians. The program, called the Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) Peer Outreach Support Team (POST), has yielded positive results and positively impacted the culture of participating medical departments, according to research conducted by Kaiser Permanente.
Published on November 1 in PLOS ONE, the study focused on the effects of the POST program in two KPNC hospitals. Currently active in 10 KPNC hospitals, with three more hospitals planning to launch similar programs in the coming months, the POST program is unique in allowing third-party referrals, enabling physicians to refer their colleagues and fostering a culture of support within the hospital setting.
From June 2019 to May 2022, 11 departments in the two KPNC hospitals implemented the POST program, benefitting over 500 physicians. During this three-year period, there were 306 POST interactions, with each session averaging 60 minutes in duration. Results from surveys conducted during the study revealed that nearly 85% of the respondents would recommend the program to other departments.
One physician who received peer support through the POST program shared their positive experience and expressed optimism about its potential to transform the overall culture of medicine. The program’s reliance on peer support from colleagues who understand the challenges of their work environment is cited as a crucial element in its effectiveness.
Senior author Dana Sax, MD, an adjunct investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research and an emergency medicine physician at one of the hospitals where the program was initiated, emphasized the importance of sharing the program’s implementation experience and research findings to encourage the adoption of similar support programs in healthcare organizations.
The findings from the study indicate that the POST program can have a significant positive impact on physician well-being and the culture within hospitals. By fostering a supportive environment and providing an avenue for physicians to seek help from their peers, the program addresses the issue of burnout in healthcare professionals and contributes to a more resilient healthcare system. The success of the initiative in the KPNC hospitals highlights the potential for peer support programs to be widely implemented across healthcare organizations, benefiting both physicians and patients.
The implementation of peer support programs like POST is crucial in addressing the growing problem of physician burnout. Physicians face a multitude of stressors, including long hours, heavy workloads, and emotionally challenging cases, which can all contribute to burnout. By providing a platform for physicians to share their concerns, seek advice, and receive support from their peers, organizations like Kaiser Permanente are taking proactive steps towards creating a healthier and more sustainable work environment.
In conclusion, the Kaiser Permanente peer support program has shown promising results in enhancing physician well-being and transforming hospital culture. As healthcare organizations continue to prioritize the well-being of their healthcare professionals, the adoption of similar peer support programs can play a significant role in reducing burnout and improving overall healthcare outcomes.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
