Spectrum Health among health systems recognized for addressing healthcare worker well-being

by Chris Cheney

Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Spectrum Health is one of 44 healthcare organizations nationwide to be recognized by the American Medical Association's Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program.

Healthcare worker burnout and well-being have been top concerns during the coronavirus pandemic. The Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is designed to recognize health systems that are committed to improving physician satisfaction and decreasing burnout.

Spectrum Health has had a longstanding commitment to healthcare worker well-being, says Kristin Jacob, MD, medical director of the health system's Office of Physician and APP Fulfillment.

"Even before the pandemic, Spectrum Health was committed to focusing on work-related stress and reduction of burnout. The health system promoted a call to action to improve the well-being of our frontline caregivers, and part of that call to action is submitting an organizational commitment statement to the National Academy of Medicine, which states our dedication to reducing clinician burnout and improving well-being," she says.

The Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program provides accountability for well-being efforts at Spectrum Health, Jacob says. "We are continuing to collaborate with other organizations across the country that are doing work to reduce burnout and sharing best practices. The AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program provides another layer of accountability for our organization to focus on measuring well-being, building leadership development, promoting teamwork, and measuring work done outside of working hours, which is a huge driver of burnout."

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