System-level recommendations for improved wellness for gynecologic oncologists: A Society of Gynecologic Oncology Review
The SGO Wellness Committee recently published, “System-level recommendations for improved wellness for gynecologic oncologists: A Society of Gynecologic Oncology Review,” intended to address burnout in gynecologic oncologists. The review appears in the March issue of Gynecologic Oncology.
Burnout among gynecologic oncologists is increasingly common. Individual-level interventions have only scratched the surface, leaving systemic issues unaddressed. Recognizing this gap, the SGO Wellness Committee put forth a set of institution-level recommendations grounded in the framework presented in the National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being by the National Academy of Medicine.
Lead author, Marian Yvette Williams-Brown, MD, of The University of Texas at Austin, suggests that individual-level interventions such as sleep improvement and stress mitigation may only temporarily make a physician feel better. “The underlying demanding schedules, loss of autonomy, and damaged workplace culture cannot be fixed by individual-level strategies,” she explains. Instead, more robust, long term institutional solutions are needed to elevate workflows that prioritize clinician well-being.
Implementing changes within healthcare organizations poses its own set of challenges. “Healthcare organizations can be slow to change for many reasons, including reimbursement pressures and inertia,” Dr. Williams-Brown says. Additionally, urgent patient care needs often take precedence over innovative scheduling practices.
One key solution highlighted in the paper is the role of optimized electronic medical record (EMR) use. “We have not met anyone who wants to be charting at night when they could be spending time recharging for the next day,” Dr. Williams-Brown notes. Efficiency in EMR usage can reduce unnecessary documentation requirements, freeing up time for other academic and personal interests.
Tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of different subgroups within the gynecologic oncology community is another key focus. The SGO review emphasizes the need for collecting data on burnout rates and stressors specific to diverse backgrounds, enabling the development of more pointed solutions. Suggested strategies include flexible work policies, cultural competency training, and diversity and inclusion initiatives to create a more supportive environment.
The potential impact of these recommended changes on the well-being and resilience of gynecologic oncologists is profound. “Overall, institutional changes that prioritize the well-being of gynecologic oncologists can have a positive impact on their job satisfaction, and, ultimately, the quality of care they provide to their patients,” Dr. Williams-Brown states optimistically