Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Facilitator-Guided Wellness Initiative in a Residency Program

Introduction: Burnout in residency is a significant concern. There is an urgent need for feasible and transferable interventions that enhance resident well-being. Toward this end, we implemented a wellness intervention in a psychiatry residency program in 2019. Goals of the intervention included: 1) creating a safe space for sharing experiences in a supportive environment, 2) fostering group cohesion, and 3) addressing developmental challenges in training. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Methods: This study utilized a mixed methods design. Following the 2022-2023 academic year, residents completed a survey examining their perceptions of how well the intervention met its goals. Facilitators completed semi-structured interviews to explore the intervention's feasibility, acceptability, and required resources for broader implementation. Results: Of 31 eligible residents who participated in the intervention, 22 (71%) completed the survey. All four facilitators completed interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data demonstrated that residents largely felt positively about the intervention and found that it met its goals, with 86% saying the intervention provided a safe place to share experiences and 73% that the intervention increased group cohesion. Implementation required buy-in from department and program leadership as well as budgeted time for the facilitators. Conclusion: Despite its implementation in a single psychiatry residency program, the wellness intervention's simplicity and adaptability suggest its potential for broader application across residencies in various specialties and institutions.