Shining a LIGHT to Wellbeing

Abstract

The challenges facing clinicians in practice today are unprecedented. Government regulation, electronic medical records, rapidly advancing medical trends, employer expectations, and the age of consumerism are just a few realities that form a backdrop to burnout. Avera Health, based in Sioux Falls, S.D., created its LIGHT (Learn, Innovate, Grow, Heal, Thrive) program, built upon a vision of a continuum of wellbeing with five driving strategies. LIGHT programs focus on the entire provider journey – from residency to retirement. Key tactics include retreats, social events, onboarding sessions, workshops, online resources, and executive and peer coaching. LIGHT has allowed Avera to shift our culture, making it more acceptable to ask for help. We are building a culture that cares for its patients while taking great care of our colleagues. Through this shift, we are redefining quality not only in our patient satisfaction, but also in our physician and provider satisfaction.