Evaluating the Feasibility and Impact of a Well-being Retreat for Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers

Introduction: Work stress experienced by physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) can have a detrimental psychological and physical impact. Targeted interventions that focus on self-awareness, peer connection, and intentional self-care may reduce stress and improve well-being and professional fulfillment. Methods: This is a summative program evaluation of a two-day well-being retreat for physicians and APPs employed at a healthcare system headquartered in Florida. Led by mental health professionals in May 2022, this retreat combined facilitator-led workshops and experiential practice activities with opportunities for peer connection and designated time with family members. The retreat objectives were to facilitate social support, improve knowledge in areas of self-care, and build reflection skills that lead to intentional changes in well-being. Data collection occurred immediately before and after the intervention in May 2022. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Tests were conducted to examine pre-post differences in the outcomes of self-reflection and insight, mindful self-care, anxiety, perceived stress, and professional fulfillment. Post-program feedback was collected, synthesized, and described. Results: Twenty-one clinicians attended the retreat, and a self-selected sample of twelve attendees participated in the evaluation portion of the project. Perceived stress significantly decreased (19.00 vs. 15.92; p = 0.01), and professional fulfillment significantly improved (15.50 vs. 17.50; p = 0.04) following the retreat. Participants reported the following benefits of the retreat: a reminder to focus on self-care, motivation for healthy behavior change, and an opportunity to self-reflect. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the retreat intervention met its objectives, and there is preliminary evidence that it may be a feasible approach to improve well-being and reduce stress in physicians and APPs. While significant changes in the practice environment are necessary to address the causes and consequences of work stress, individual-level programs remain important and relevant to the protection of well-being. This project builds upon the literature about interventions with diverse modalities