Best Hopes Intervention for Burnout: A Beacon of Hope for Senior Medical Students at Stellenbosch University

Introduction: Unveiling the Best Hopes Intervention

In July and August 2023, I launched trial interventions targeting burnout and amplifying emotional well-being among senior medical students at Stellenbosch University. Each session, tailored for 3-5 MBChB IV-VI students, featured three hour-long discussions rooted in Solution Focused Brief Therapy principles.

Positive Shifts in Emotional Well-being

My primary objective was to fortify emotional thriving and recovery, combating the adverse effects of burnout. Notably, 10-14 days post Best Version group sessions, we witnessed a remarkable 71% decline in disagreement with emotional thriving and recovery statements. Correspondingly, agreement with these experiences surged by 37%, marking a substantial positive shift.

Individual Success Stories

Amidst consistent external pressures, individual success stories unfolded. Participants witnessed significant drops in emotional exhaustion scores (Maslach Burnout Inventory subcategory), with one individual decreasing from 47 to 36 (23%) and another from 35 to 17 (51%). These improvements were coupled with double-digit percentage increases in their combined emotional thriving and recovery scores.

Broad Impact on Stellenbosch University Medical Students

With rare exceptions (one participant entered with moderate to low emotional exhaustion and reasonably high emotional well-being), all benefited from the intervention, showcasing its efficacy across diverse situations. Notably, the participant with the lowest emotional exhaustion score (14) experienced a 36% surge in emotional thriving, emphasizing the distinction between burnout and emotional well-being.

Despite the second-lowest emotional exhaustion score (17), another participant witnessed a meaningful 17% boost in emotional thriving, reinforcing the nuanced relationship between burnout and emotional well-being.

In the case of the participant facing the "worst combined situation" – a slight post-intervention burnout increase and low pre-intervention scores for emotional thriving and recovery – there was a remarkable 63% increase in emotional recovery, highlighting the intervention's efficacy in addressing emotional exhaustion.

Future Endeavours: Extending Reach and Impact

The intervention's adaptability hints at broader applications, with plans to extend sessions to nurses in a South African government hospital in 2024. This expansion aims to explore the intervention's impact on the entire Maslach Burnout Inventory, accommodating a larger sample size, including more participants in the high burnout category.

Conclusion: Best Hopes Intervention - A Force for Resilience and Recovery

In conclusion, the Best Hopes Intervention shows promise as a powerful tool in addressing burnout and nurturing emotional well-being. The individual success stories and potential for broader application underscore its significance in promoting resilience and recovery. The journey continues, with a focus on expanding its positive impact in diverse settings.