New Podcast Draws Attention to Burnout and Moral Injury
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The US health workforce is in distress. Burnout and moral injury are on the rise, and the consequences for practitioners and patients are devastating.
In this unique six-part podcast series, the Workplace Change Collaborative, backed by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, delves into the causes and effects of burnout and moral injury among health workers. It also provides actionable strategies to enhance their well-being.
The series launched on May 1, 2024. Listen to the episodes here. The WCC Podcast is hosted by Dr. Wendy Dean and produced by Jill Ruby. New episodes are released each week. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
Addressing Burnout and Moral Injury: The Workplace Change Collaborative at George Washington University
The modern healthcare and public safety workforce faces immense pressures exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The resulting burnout and moral injury among these essential workers have led to an urgent need for systemic change. Enter the Workplace Change Collaborative (WCC) at George Washington University, a pioneering initiative dedicated to transforming work environments for health and public safety professionals.
Understanding the Crisis
Burnout is defined as chronic workplace stress, which affects more than half of health workers and has been a known challenge for decades. Moral injury is an experience that is qualitatively different from burnout and occurs when individuals feel they have violated their professional moral or ethical code. Health worker distress may be due to either of these conditions, or to both, simultaneously.
The Role of the Workplace Change Collaborative
Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the WCC serves a dual purpose: to support 44 grantee organizations addressing these challenges and to develop a national framework for systemic change. The collaborative's mission is rooted in the understanding that burnout and moral injury stem from organizational and systemic issues rather than individual failings.
The Framework for Change
The WCC's framework aims to guide organizational leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders in creating healthier work environments. It emphasizes the need for organization and system-level changes to address the upstream drivers of burnout and moral injury. By focusing on these broader factors, the WCC helps ensure that interventions are sustainable and impactful.
Critical Components of the Framework:
Assessment and Measurement: The framework provides tools for assessing the extent of burnout and moral injury within organizations, allowing for data-driven decision-making.
Actionable Strategies: It offers evidence-based strategies for mitigating these issues, such as improving work conditions, fostering a supportive work culture, and providing mental health resources.
Collaboration and Support: The WCC facilitates collaboration among grantees, promoting sharing of best practices and resources.
Resource Library: An extensive resource library is available, featuring peer-reviewed research, case studies, and practical tools to support implementation.
Federal Support and Legislation
The federal government recognizes the importance of addressing burnout and moral injury. The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, passed in March 2022, represents a significant legislative effort to combat these issues. Although the act has yet to be funded, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provided $120 million for grants aimed at training and evidence-based programs to support health and public safety workers.
The Path Forward
The WCC's work is crucial in creating lasting change within the healthcare and public safety sectors. By highlighting the root causes of burnout and moral injury, and suggesting solutions, the collaborative helps improve workers' well-being, ultimately leading to better patient care and public safety outcomes. The ongoing support and development of innovative strategies ensure that the WCC remains at the forefront of this essential work.
Get Involved
The WCC encourages stakeholders at all levels to engage with its resources and contribute to this vital effort. By working together, we can create healthier, more supportive environments for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
For more information about the Workplace Change Collaborative and its initiatives, visit Workplace Change Collaborative.
The Workplace Change Collaborative is a partnership between the Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity at The George Washington University, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Moral Injury of Healthcare, and AFT Healthcare.
The Workplace Change Collaborative is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
Access the interactive framework and additional resources at wpchange.org to learn more about moral injury, burnout, and what to do about both.