A recent study led by Andrea Ibarra, MD, MS, published in JCA Advances, highlights the beneficial impact of increased institutional diversity engagement on reducing burnout among anesthesia providers. The research, titled “Diversity Engagement Is Associated with Lower Burnout Among Anesthesia Providers,” surveyed 160 employees from an anesthesiology department, including attending physicians, trainees, advanced practice providers, and others over 18 years of age. The web-based survey assessed demographics, diversity engagement, burnout, and perceived stress.
Dr. Ibarra and her team discovered that a heightened perception of institutional diversity engagement correlates with lower levels of burnout among anesthesia providers. This relationship is partially attributed to a reduction in perceived stress. The study suggests that leadership-level interventions focused on enhancing diversity engagement could mitigate the adverse effects of stress and burnout, potentially leading to improved patient care.
The findings underscore the significant role diversity engagement plays in creating a healthier work environment. These insights provide a solid foundation for future initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive atmosphere within anesthesiology departments.
The research team included additional department members: faculty Kristin M. Ondecko Ligda, MD, and Keith M. Vogt, MD, PhD, FASA; Beda Rosario-Rivera, PhD; residents Aminat Haruna, MD, and Alejandro Munoz-Valencia, MD; along with Julia Whiteleather from the University of Pittsburgh Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences.