2024-04-12 | Stephanie B. Kiser, MD, MPH; J. David Sterns, MD, MPH; Po Ying Lai, MS; Nora K. Horick, MS; Kerri Palamara, MD
This randomized clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of individualized coaching by professionally trained peers on physician burnout and well-being. The study involved 138 physicians from the Mass General Physician Organization, who were randomly assigned to either a coaching group or a control group. The coaching group received six sessions over three months, while the control group used standard institutional resources. The primary outcome was burnout measured by the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index, with secondary outcomes including professional fulfillment, work engagement, and quality of life. Results showed that the coaching group had significantly lower interpersonal disengagement and burnout scores compared to the control group, with improvements in professional fulfillment and work engagement. The study concluded that individualized coaching by physician peers is an effective strategy for reducing burnout and improving well-being among physicians.This randomized clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of individualized coaching by professionally trained peers on physician burnout and well-being. The study involved 138 physicians from the Mass General Physician Organization, who were randomly assigned to either a coaching group or a control group. The coaching group received six sessions over three months, while the control group used standard institutional resources. The primary outcome was burnout measured by the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index, with secondary outcomes including professional fulfillment, work engagement, and quality of life. Results showed that the coaching group had significantly lower interpersonal disengagement and burnout scores compared to the control group, with improvements in professional fulfillment and work engagement. The study concluded that individualized coaching by physician peers is an effective strategy for reducing burnout and improving well-being among physicians.