NYC Health + Hospitals received the bronze-level Joy in Medicine recognition from the AMA for its initiatives aimed at improving physician well-being and reducing burnout. Following the pandemic, a nationwide decline in burnout rates has been observed, with the health system implementing supportive measures such as the Helping Healers Heal program and partnerships for mental health resources. Surveys reflect improved clinician well-being in various aspects. The recognition emphasizes the commitment to sustainable solutions that foster a healthier work environment for healthcare professionals.
New York City’s esteemed health system, NYC Health + Hospitals, has been distinguished with the bronze-level Joy in Medicine Honor by the American Medical Association (AMA). This accolade underscores their dedication to enhancing physician wellness and combating burnout—a commitment that has taken on greater urgency in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw physician burnout rates soar. Thankfully, the tide has begun to turn; for the first time in four years, national burnout rates have dipped below 50%. NYC Health + Hospitals has rolled out a variety of innovative programs aimed at safeguarding the mental health of its staff. These initiatives include eliminating invasive mental health queries from physician credentialing forms and the launch of a partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to provide online self-screening tools for healthcare employees. Their program, Helping Healers Heal, offers crucial emotional first aid to mitigate stress and anxiety among medical professionals, especially those who face daily pressures and emotional tolls from patient care. A recent survey of nearly 2,700 healthcare providers within the system painted a brighter picture of clinician wellness in 2023 compared to 2021, revealing stark reductions in stress (down 42%), compassion fatigue (down 61%), anxiety (down 44%), and feelings of sadness (down 52%). The AMA’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program aims to address the unique challenges faced by health organizations in fostering wellness. Earning this honor required NYC Health + Hospitals to execute crucial measures, including assessing and improving burnout rates, establishing a dedicated well-being committee, and implementing peer support initiatives. Jeremy Segall, the System Chief Wellness Officer, celebrated this recognition, stating, “Meeting all requirements this honor recognizes our system’s commitment to reducing burnout and improving the overall holistic well-being of our healthcare professionals.” He emphasized that a healthier staff directly translates to enhanced patient care and aligns deeply with the system’s mission. The AMA’s President, Bruce A. Scott, MD, highlighted the human aspect of healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of transformative changes within health systems rather than the doctors themselves. Through evidence-based strategies, the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program aspires to empower healthcare systems to support both physician well-being and patient care, framing the landscape for a healthier future. Since its inception in 2019, the AMA program has recognized over 100 health organizations, with 62 receiving acknowledgment this year for their dedicated efforts to battle systemic burnout. These trailblazers are paving the way for a more supportive healthcare environment, signifying a purposeful step towards healing the healers. For more information about the AMA’s Joy in Medicine initiative, interested parties can visit their website.
Physician burnout has surged as a critical concern for healthcare systems, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Medical Association (AMA) introduced the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program as a response to this growing crisis. This program sets a framework to promote the well-being of healthcare providers by incentivizing health systems to adopt supportive measures that mitigate burnout and enhance job satisfaction. NYC Health + Hospitals stands as a prominent example of a health system actively engaging in these initiatives, showcasing significant improvements in staff wellbeing through various support programs and innovative approaches.
In conclusion, NYC Health + Hospitals has earned the bronze-level Joy in Medicine recognition, a testament to its unwavering commitment to improving the wellness of its healthcare providers and tackling the issue of burnout. With innovative programs that promote mental health and a supportive work environment, they embody a proactive approach to fostering joy in medicine. As more health systems follow suit, the vision of a healthier work environment for physicians and exceptional care for patients becomes increasingly attainable.
Original Source: www.nychealthandhospitals.org
