HCA Residents Participate in the StressPal Frontline Program

We appreciate leadership at HCA who have championed our stress resilience intervention program in their cohorts. In partnership with HCA/St. Lucie Hospital, a pilot is underway with family medicine residents and staff, who are participating in the StressPal Frontline program to upskill in leading flexibility-based interventions that can be applied anywhere, anytime to safeguard clinicians’ valuable asset of resilience.

Like physicians, residents frequently enter the profession with above-average levels of resilience. Studies reported by Press Ganey and others show that resilience was on the decline in physicians since 2022. Burnout rates have started to drop in physicians, but remain elevated in residents, according to some studies.

What is resilience? Resilience is a complex brain phenomenon that we know to be learned (since childhood) and dynamic. It can be strengthened with focused training, and it can deteriorate under persistent external stressors, and our own stress-triggered responses. Our capacity for psychological flexibility is closely related to stress resilience, and is protective of it.

Well studied best practices methodologies to strengthen resilience – delivered 1:1, in small groups and in digital formats – include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). The high production-value StressPal Frontline program uses interactive video technology and game-like features in an action-based learning model. It is strictly grounded in ACT, with an integration of CBT and MBCT, with ongoing clinician-led mindfulness and stress relief resources.

What we developed at StressPal is an innovative learning environment where learners confidentially engage (nickname only on sign-up) in structured, incremental learning in bite-sized modules, at their own pace, over 6 weeks (typical) before claiming a bundle of 12 professional continuing education credits, and 12 interprofessional credits. In addition, their own customized dedicated community is a great place for leaders and mentors to disseminate their wellness resources and hear what their learners have to say, in an anonymous setting.