The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.
SMJ // Article
Original Article
Docs for Dinner: An Initial Qualitative Evaluation of Strengthening Engagement by Breaking Bread
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the stress intervention Docs for Dinner on factors related to physician disengagement and professional isolation.Methods: A specifically designed survey was distributed to physicians who had participated in the program.
Results: The results indicate that physician participants found the experience to be positive and worthy of continuation and that it allowed a unique interaction with colleagues, increased engagement with colleagues, promoted a more positive view of the relationship with the healthcare system, enhanced a sense of well-being, and had a small but positive impact on motivation for patient care.
Conclusions: Docs for Dinner appears to be a readily implemented and well-received approach to enhancing physician engagement and collegial interaction, increasing the sense of well-being, and fostering perception of a healthcare organization that may help to mitigate contemporary stressors facing physicians.
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