Research in Pediatric EducationGlobal Health Experiences, Well-Being, and Burnout: Findings From a National Longitudinal Study
Section snippets
Methods
The PRB-RSC developed a multi-institutional longitudinal observational study in partnership with the Association of Pediatric Program Directors’ Longitudinal Educational Assessment Research Network (APPD LEARN) to assess risk factors for burnout in pediatric residents.18 These survey items were assembled by the PRB-RSC Steering Committee, based on expert opinion and iterative review of relevant literature.
Data were collected via an annual electronic survey during the months of April to June in
Results
Of the pediatric trainees from the unique 55 participating institutions over the course of 3 years, 63.7% (6150 of 9653) of eligible residents completed the survey. Controlling for unique survey-takers, 12.7% (536 of 4213) residents reported active GH involvement, of whom 59 of 536 (11%) were on a GH rotation at the time of survey or the month immediately preceding the survey. Residents reporting active GH involvement were less likely to be married or partnered (P < .001), less likely to have
Discussion
In this large nationally representative sample from the PRB-RSC, 1 in 10 (12%) pediatric, medicine/pediatric, and combined pediatric residents reported involvement in a GH-specific pathway, curricula, or track. Though current GH involvement was associated with higher levels of EC and spiritual behavior, there were no associations with burnout, resiliency, or mindfulness. This is surprising given previous studies suggesting an inverse relationship between empathy and burnout in medical trainees.
Conclusion
The rich personal and professional development experienced through GH experiences is well known, though little has been previously described about the impact on trainee well-being. Our study is the first to show that residents who engage in GH experiences demonstrate higher levels of empathy and spirituality, though GH experiences are not directly associated with improved levels of burnout, resiliency, or mindfulness. Despite lack of statistical significance between GH involvement, burnout, and
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the participating trainees. The authors also thank the staff at the Association of Pediatric Program Directors Longitudinal Educational Assessment Research Network office, particularly, Ms Beth King whose diligence and tireless efforts were instrumental in the establishment of the consortium. The 55 participating residency programs listed in Supplemental Digital Appendix 1 are all members of the Pediatric Resident Burnout-Resilience Study Consortium and
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The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.
All authors approved the final manuscript as submitted and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.