YORK – WellSpan Health has been recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine™ organization for its efforts to promote the wellbeing of its team members through targeted initiatives and programs that reduce burnout and stressors in the workplace. The AMA distinction is granted only to organizations that attest to the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program to address these issues. The health system is one of only 72 across the country to receive this honor.
“Our team members are the most important asset we have at WellSpan, and we know we must continue to provide them the resources that ensure their own personal well-being is protected so that they can confidently hold the hands of our patients on their own care journey,” said Dr. Anthony Aquilina, executive vice president and chief physician executive, WellSpan Health. “It’s the expert care they deliver every day that makes us stand out among our peers and the reason why our patients choose WellSpan.”
Burnout rates among the nation’s health care heroes spiked dramatically as the COVID-19 pandemic put stress on care teams. While the worst days of the pandemic have past, the lingering impact of work-related burnout remains an issue.
WellSpan expanded resources available to team members to address these concerns, including the launch of a behavioral health app, myStrength, to provide access to personalized care for mental, emotional and overall wellbeing. WellSpan employees are also encouraged to utilize the WellSpan Employee Assistance Program, which offers access to licensed professionals to support employees and their families within their varied needs.
“Health organizations that have earned recognition from the AMA’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leading a national movement that has declared the wellbeing of health professionals to be an essential element for providing high-quality care to patients, families, and communities,” said AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H. “Each Joy in Medicine recognized organization is distinguished as among the nation’s best at creating a culture of wellness that makes a difference in the lives of clinical care teams.”
Since its inception in 2019, the Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program has recognized organizations that reduce system-level drivers of work-related burnout and demonstrate competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, and support.
