Improving Burnout in VA Primary Care Teams Using Evidence-Based Quality Improvement

What this Trial Is About

Burnout is a common and serious problem among providers and staff in VA primary care, leading to reduced productivity, higher turnover, and lower quality of care and patient experience. This research aims to develop and evaluate interventions using an evidence-based quality improvement EBQI approach to reduce burnout in these healthcare workers. The study focuses on tailoring these interventions to the specific needs of primary care clinics within one VA region to improve staff well-being and healthcare delivery. The trial will conduct a pilot, modified stepped wedge design involving five primary care clinics in two VA healthcare systems. Three clinics will implement EBQI-facilitated burnout reduction interventions for one year, actively managed by the research team, while two clinics will continue with usual care and only participate in surveys. After the active phase, clinic leadership and staff may continue the interventions passively. The EBQI process involves expert panels reviewing burnout data and selecting targeted interventions developed collaboratively with providers and staff. Participants, including primary care providers, nurses, clinical associates, and administrative associates on regular Patient-Aligned Care Team PACT teamlets, will complete annual surveys for four years to measure burnout, turnover intent, workplace factors, depression, and anxiety. Researchers will collect and analyze this data to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the interventions. The study runs for three years from enrollment, with no additional interaction with control clinics beyond survey administration.

Evidence-Based Quality Improvement to Reduce VA Primary Care Burnout