System News

The American Medical Association on Tuesday recognized Roper St. Francis Healthcare as a Joy in Medicine health organization, making the system the only one in the state to achieve the distinction for promoting well-being and preventing burnout among medical staff.

Roper St. Francis Healthcare and its leadership have embarked on a deliberate journey in recent years to check on and support the mental health of its clinicians, who face increasingly difficult circumstances while providing care, including the COVID-19 pandemic and workplace violence. As a key driver of its Strategic Plan 2030, Roper St. Francis Healthcare has invested in its team by rolling out several programs to track and improve well-being.

The prestigious AMA honor is granted to organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program. It acknowledges Roper St. Francis Healthcare as a national leader in prioritizing proven efforts to enhance the well-being and professional fulfillment of physicians. The not-for-profit healthcare system’s bronze-level recognition is valid for two years.

“Recognition from the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine program is a source of pride for Roper St. Francis Healthcare and a symbol of our commitment to a culture of well-being,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kline, medical director of clinician well-being for Roper St. Francis Healthcare. “We want our team of providers to be well and know that their voice is heard so they can provide high-quality care to our patients and further our mission of healing all people with compassion, faith and excellence.”

After peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic, the physician burnout rate throughout the U.S. has dipped under 50 percent for the first time in four years, according to the AMA. This is a milestone in preventing and reducing physician burnout, but continued efforts are essential to ensure providers receive the support they need to thrive.

“Physicians are humans caring for other human beings, strained by factors beyond their control and challenged by the enormous expectations placed on them to continuously deliver high-quality, compassionate care. There is no doubt change is needed, but what needs to change is not the doctors,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, M.D. “A national movement is gaining momentum to transform healthcare work systems and fix the root causes of physician burnout. Health organizations that have earned the AMA’s Joy in Medicine recognition are leading this movement with bold visions for redesigned clinical systems to foster professional well-being and support quality care.”

Dr. Kline said Roper St. Francis Healthcare values input from its providers and teammates, and makes resources available that are aimed at improving wellness in the workplace. Some of these initiatives include:

• Practice Efficiency & Engagement Team (PEET): This multiple-disciplinary group from departments throughout the organization is charged with tracking well-being and devising initiatives to address areas of concern.
• Well-Being Index: This quick, anonymous survey based on research by the Mayo Clinic is open to employed and affiliated physicians, advanced practice providers and nurses. It allows participants to gauge their own distress level while giving the healthcare system actionable feedback. This has led to optimization in workflows within Epic, the system’s electronic medical record, and other efforts.
• Caring for Colleagues: This peer support group of trained clinical staff is available around the clock to take calls from staff after adverse events. The resource is confidential and free.
• Young Providers Group: Designed for providers and other caregivers early in their careers, this group was established as way to offer resources to help improve teammates’ personal lives. It has held talks on topics such as buying a home and personal finance.

Dr. Kline said burnout levels among clinical staff at Roper St. Francis Healthcare have steadily improved in recent years, mirroring national trends. But there is more work to be done.

“We are always identifying areas to improve, and once you find those areas, it’s all about incremental growth toward wellness,” Dr. Kline said. “We show care and compassion for our employees, and it translates into the level of compassion patients see in their care.”

Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has honored more than 100 organizations nationwide. Learn more about the program at ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.