Heal the healer: empowering healthcare providers to enact systems-level wellness changes. A mixed methods survey study

Abstract

Background:

Pre-pandemic studies highlight burnout among early career nurses, with environmental and interpersonal factors contributing to high turnover rates. The Dr Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, enacted in the United States (U.S.) in 2022, catalysed the formation of this investigatory team, which used a socio-ecological approach to address nurse burnout and mental health in Nebraska, United States.

Aims:

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a webinar series designed to address key drivers of nurse burnout through evidence-based content. The series focused on equipping participants with knowledge and practical strategies to promote systems-level change and improve workforce well-being.

Methods:

A mixed methods survey design was employed to analyse changes in knowledge, subjective competence, intention to implement skills, perceived barriers, and impact on team performance.

Results:

Attendees who completed the webinar evaluations (N = 277 unique respondents) reported enhancements in knowledge and subjective competence post-webinar(s). Thematic content analysis of qualitative responses identified themes related to problem-solving, awareness, advocacy, and education. Barriers included organisational structure, financial constraints, and resistance to change.

Conclusions:

The webinar series showed promise as a scalable, systems-level intervention for nurse well-being, highlighting the need to address organisational and cultural factors beyond individual behaviour change.