Understanding and Optimizing Physician Engagement

Factors Contributing to Burnout and Professional Fulfillment among AAFPRS Members

Physician wellness is important for physician engagement and reduction of medical errors 1-6, impacting patient care. A recent survey showed that academic otorhinolaryngologists reported low levels of professional fulfillment and high levels of burnout 7,8. This study explores wellness factors in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS).To examine factors associated with fulfillment, burnout, and intent to leave within FPRS.Cross-sectional survey.AAFPRS members completed an anonymous and standardized survey to assess professional fulfillment and burnout. Chi-square testing was used for data analysis.Among 75 respondents (5% response rate), 34% lacked professional fulfillment and 18% experienced burnout, lower than reported rates in academic otorhinolaryngology7. Lack of decision-making power in recruitment/purchasing decisions and uncompensated otolaryngology call were driving factors.Decreased autonomy and extra-subspecialty responsibilities drive burnout, lack of fulfillment, and intent to leave and should be considered in employment arrangements.

GP Engagement: A Proposed Model to Guide Engagement Activities in Australian Primary Health Networks

BACKGROUND

Engagement with general practice is a requirement of Australia's Primary Health Networks (PHNs). We propose a model for engagement that draws on principles of stakeholder and clinician engagement, tailored to meet the needs of PHNs and general practitioners (GPs).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to identify components, challenges, and approaches to optimizing clinician engagement. Interviews with GPs (n = 18), other practice staff (n = 12), PHN staff, and other stakeholders (n = 15) across 3 PHN regions in Victoria, Australia, were used to identify perceived needs of GPs and opportunities for engagement with PHNs. Interview transcripts, notes, and contact summaries were collated and organized using QSR NVivo to support the process of coding and identification of common themes and perspectives. Information from the literature and interviews was synthesized to inform development of a model for GP engagement that could guide GP strategy and engagement activities undertaken by PHNs.

FINDINGS

PHNs engaged with GPs for accreditation, quality improvement, data sharing, continuing professional development, commissioning, and population health initiatives, among others. GPs were motivated to engage with PHNs, however, the roles of PHNs and benefits of engagement were not always clear. A model to support PHN engagement with general practice was developed comprising: (1) Organizational values for engagement; (2) Needs of GPs; (3) Areas of engagement; (4) Stages of engagement; (5) Communication planning; and (6) Monitoring and Evaluation.

CONCLUSION

The proposed model represents contemporary understanding in clinician engagement, drawing upon concepts from community and stakeholder engagement, and extending established models for engagement into the setting of general practice.