When: June 9, 2021, 1:00 pm - Wednesday

Where: Swang 100

Session 1

Session Abstract

Healthcare workers are at high risk for burnout which is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment. Maintaining overall balance and wellbeing is critical to both personal and professional success.  The Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy is engaged in promoting a culture of wellbeing among our students, faculty and staff. This session will provide an overview of mental health concerns within the University population and discuss the creation of a Pharmacy Wellbeing Committee, its recommendations and implementation strategies.  An overview of wellbeing and burnout assessment tools will be provided followed by a panel discussion.

 

Paper Abstracts

Lindsey N. Miller, Lipscomb University, “Mental Health Statistics in the University Population and Healthcare Providers”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that nearly 20% of Americans will experience a mental health disorder in a given year. Among college students, depression and anxiety are the most common mental health diagnoses. The incidence of depression in healthcare trainees being reported as high as 40%. A major cause of the increase in anxiety in depression among the latter population is part due to burnout among the medical professions. Research shows that for pharmacist/pharmacy students prolonged stress, improper work-life balance and lack of recognition contribute greatly to burnout.

 

Susan L. Mercer, Lipscomb University, “Creation of a Wellbeing Committee: Recommendations, Implementations and Challenges”

The Pharmacy Wellbeing Committee is responsible for the design and implementation of initiatives that promote a culture of well-being among students, faculty, and staff. Elements of wellbeing for consideration by the committee include purpose, social, financial, community, physical and spiritual. A ‘branded’ wellbeing initiative was launched; wellbeing topics have been integrated into didactic coursework, Dean’s Hours, Applied Christian Values (ACV), and wellbeing journals were distributed for ACV small group use/challenges.  The committee also designed and implemented “Gratitude” and “Take What You Need” boards and collaborated with Student Affairs and the Co-Curricular Committee.

 

Susan L. Mercer and Lindsey N. Miller, Lipscomb University, ^“Overview of Wellbeing and Burnout Assessment Tools”

The importance of wellbeing and resiliency is becoming a top priority within the pharmacy profession (and other health professions).  One accreditation recommendation on the table is the inclusion of annual wellbeing assessments for students, faculty and staff to facilitate regular dialogue, destigmatize behavioral health, and guide organizational initiatives within schools and colleges of pharmacy.  With many wellbeing and burnout assessment tools available, it is critical to research the tools and select the best option before implementation.  This presentation will discuss the most popular survey tools, their purpose, pros/cons and considerations that impact selection and dissemination to our population.

Speakers

Susan L. Mercer, Lipscomb University, Convener

• Lindsey N. Miller, Lipscomb University, “Mental Health Statistics in the University Population and Healthcare Providers”
• Susan L. Mercer, Lipscomb University, “Creation of a Wellbeing Committee: Recommendations, Implementations and Challenges”
• Susan L. Mercer and Lindsey N. Miller, Lipscomb University, “Overview of Wellbeing and Burnout Assessment Tools”
• Terrice Hooks, Lipscomb University (student), Respondent
• Samantha Randlett, Lipscomb University (student), Respondent