Medical institutions face the challenge of finding practical, cost-effective ways to help clinicians-in-training transition into the clinical learning environment, cope with the demands of modern medical practice, provide high-quality care, and function effectively. Institutional commitment to clinician well-being and resiliency programs is essential in addressing the growing crisis of clinician burnout and dissatisfaction. 

Chapter 1 introduces the MedRAP/CPR program, its core principles, and provides an overview of the book, highlighting how it can support clinician training.

Author: Iris Mushin, M.Ed, MBA

Contributing Editor: Anoop Agrawal, MB

It is possible for medical education programs and healthcare institutions to integrate well-being, wellness, and resiliency activities into all aspects of education and training in the organization. Effective interventions can be relatively inexpensive and can have a large return on investment.

Chapter 2 describes the general benefits of MedRAP/CPR to clinicians and institutions and the program’s structure and features, and identifies specific ways that it can be helpful, especially during the current pandemic and in the event of future healthcare crises.

Author: Iris Mushin, M.Ed, MBA

Contributing Editor: Anoop Agrawal, MB

The MedRAP/CPR curriculum explained in this chapter was based on a needs assessment conducted for the Baylor of College Medicine residents; however, modules can be independent and utilized based on needs of different healthcare professions and institutions.

SUMMARY: Chapter 3 describes MedRAP/CPR’s individual modules, including objectives and components, discusses the role of the facilitator and group leaders, and outlines each module’s design process and structure.

Author: Iris Mushin, M.Ed, MBA

Contributing Editor: Anoop Agrawal, MB

A robust health care system requires healthy physicians. This statement may seem self-evident; however, traditional efforts to improve health care systems have focused on decreasing costs and improving access. It is only recently that more attention is being paid to physicians’ well-being and wellness; studies have demonstrated that without physicians who feel engaged, valued, and fairly treated, a health care delivery system cannot function optimally. 

SUMMARY: Chapter 4 discusses the prevalence of stress and burnout among clinicians, its negative implications for patient care, and how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the entire healthcare industry, and medical education in particular. Ch. 4 also explains how the program’s unique approach can improve medical education.

Author: Iris Mushin, M.Ed, MBA

Contributing Editor: Anoop Agrawal, MB

In order to customize the MedRAP/CPR program to the specific needs of the target population, meet their real rather than assumed needs, and maximize the program’s effectiveness, several pre-implementation steps are necessary.

SUMMARY: Chapter 5 discusses the needs analysis design process, including its role in customizing MedRAP/CPR to the specific needs of the target population. Ch. 5 also discusses the selection and training of group leaders, as well as formation of trainee groups.

Author: Iris Mushin, M.Ed, MBA

Contributing Editor: Anoop Agrawal, MB

Leading groups in the MedRAP/CPR program can be a challenging task. A successful group process is greatly dependent on the leader’s facilitation skills. Being an effective facilitator is both a skill and an art; while some people may have a natural talent for facilitating groups, effective facilitation can be improved with practice and by following recommended guidelines and techniques.

SUMMARY: Chapter 6 provides specific guidelines, as well as tips and tools, for effectively leading groups in any setting.

Author: Iris Mushin, M.Ed, MBA

Contributing Editor: Anoop Agrawal, MB

Lessons learned have been continuously incorporated into the MedRAP program design. For MedRAP/CPR to be effective, it needs multiple, well-trained facilitators with strong group skills, medical knowledge, and understanding of organizational theory. Implementing training programs and allocating resources to train effective facilitators will benefit both medical institutions as well as clinicians.

SUMMARY: Chapter 7 discusses the importance of investing in well-being and resilience as an integral part of clinician training. It identifies the components that led to MedRAP’s 25 years of success and suggests the important elements essential for the development of comparable programs such as MedRAP/CPR.

Author: Iris Mushin, M.Ed, MBA

Contributing Editor: Anoop Agrawal, MB

CPR goes beyond the traditional support group model by incorporating a small-group job training program, designed to formalize the informal training that takes place as trainees interact with colleagues in a new clinical setting. 

SUMMARY: Module 1 addresses the specific guidelines for successfully leading groups, highlights unique challenges and considerations, and provides tips and tools for effective facilitation. These are peer support and job training groups with a structured curriculum aimed at facilitating the transition from medical training to the clinical work environment.

Author: Iris Mushin, M.Ed, MBA

Contributing Editor: Anoop Agrawal, MB

An informative and well-designed orientation is vital for the initial transition of trainees into the hospital work environment, especially since this transition can be challenging and stressful for them and can impact patient care.

SUMMARY: Module 2 provides instructions for developing orientations to facilitate effective and efficient transitions for trainees from graduate school to the healthcare training and work environment.

Author: Iris Mushin, M.Ed, MBA

Contributing Editor: Anoop Agrawal, MB

Time management—the process of managing time effectively, organizing, and planning how much time is spent on specific activities—plays an important role for employees in any organization. Reducing stress impacts both professional and personal life and leads to better work experience. 

SUMMARY: Module 3 is designed to provide participants with information essential to effective patient care. Topics include time management, logistical considerations, and protocols for avoiding repeated medical mistakes.

Author: Iris Mushin, M.Ed, MBA

Contributing Editor: Anoop Agrawal, MB