Permanente Medical Groups recognized by AMA for addressing physician wellness and burnout

Addressing  physician burnout  begins with a commitment by leadership to champion and promote physician wellness. The physician-led Permanente Medical Groups have developed a culture that proactively tackles physician wellness through innovative programs. These efforts have been recognized with significant accolades.

This year, Northwest  Permanente and Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group were honored by the American Medical Association’s 2024 Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program. They join last year’s 4 Permanente Medical Group honorees, the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, The Permanente Medical Group, The Southeast Permanente Medical Group, and Washington Permanente Medical Group.

“We are delighted to join this elite list of medical groups who have demonstrated their dedication to making life better for physicians,” said Leong Koh, MD, executive medical director of Northwest Permanente. “At a time when there is an increasing shortage of physicians, it is critical that we support our physicians to achieve their calling, which is taking care of patients.”

Joy in Medicine: A commitment to physician wellness

To receive AMA Joy in Medicine recognition, a medical group must complete a self-assessment and submit supporting documentation. They are then evaluated based on their organizational achievements and efforts across 6 competency areas. The areas include:

• Assessment

• Commitment

• Efficiency of Practice Environment

• Teamwork

• Leadership

• Support

Related physician wellness story: “Dr. Ansari shares keys to leading in a value-based care organization”

Using technology to reduce workload and improve care

Permanente Medical Groups are investing in advanced technologies to help physicians focus on practicing medicine by increasing efficiency and reducing administrative burdens.

For example, the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group is using AI to improve workflows and make doctors’ lives easier. Innovative technologies are improving recruitment efforts through search engine optimization to help source physician candidates and ambient listening AI saves doctors time by helping to document their patient notes.

“While we expect AI to create increasing opportunities to reduce the administrative burden on physicians, it is critical that we also support physicians by making it easier for them to care for patients in the way that best meets those patients’ needs,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, president and CEO of the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group.

Northwest Permanente uses artificial intelligence to assess and direct incoming messages, which helps physicians manage their inbox more effectively. The medical group is also utilizing technology to enhance patient access and streamline care through telehealth programs.

“What we’re trying to do here is ensure that we have our patients do as much at home as possible through the digital front door,” said Dr. Koh. “We have many video visits, telehealth visits, and also leverage technology to get questionnaires and questions answered [by patients] in the comfort of their own homes.”

Related physician wellness story: “Embracing innovation to enhance care and address burnout”

Kaiser Permanente also recently rolled out ambient listening technology to more than 24,000 physicians to help them write their clinic visit notes so that they can spend more quality time with patients and reduce their administrative burden.

Ramin Davidoff, MD, executive medical director and chair of the board for the Southern California Permanente Medical Group and 2023 awardee, said he aims to empower “people to innovate and collaborate across all specialties, [which] is a key aspect of what we do,” referring to Permanente Medical Groups. For Dr. Davidoff, a key goal of these efforts is that physicians “can truly focus on the patient.”

Permanente Medical Groups demonstrate success in reducing physician burnout

While a growing number of leading health systems are committing to building well-being and reducing physician burnout, there continue to be states where no health system has qualified for recognition.

AMA provides resources and case studies to support organizations in achieving recognition. In their Well-Being Toolkit, The Southeast Permanente Medical Group is featured for using IT to address operational inefficiencies. In a campaign called “Pebbles in the Shoe,” clinicians and staff submitted ideas that were then implemented over several years. Washington Permanente Medical Group is also featured in a case study that focuses on a multi-factorial approach that began with using a validated tool to measure burnout.

The Joy in Medicine recognition reflect a commitment to improving the well-being of Permanente physicians, ensuring that they have support and resources they need to thrive professionally and personally.

Note: You can read the full list of 2024 honorees on the AMA’s website.