Lisa Scardina, who led clinicians and physicians at Providence for years, recently told Medpage Today that enhancing human connection is one of the best methods to combat burnout in healthcare.
Healthcare organizations invest in various strategies to reduce burnout, such as new technology to lessen administrative burdens, creating team-based care models, launching organizational and governance structures that prioritize clinician leaders, and programs to improve mental health and collegiality, said Ms. Scardina.
"All of these initiatives are incredibly important and impactful, yet I have come to appreciate that one of the most important areas of investment is in relational leadership and human flourishing," she wrote, adding that meaningful connections with patients and coworkers is the core of why many feel called to healthcare.
Ms. Scardina served in various leadership roles for Renton, Wash.-based Providence between 2011 and 2021, including chief administrative officer and chief of staff for the health system's Oregon region. She is currently the chief of brand and partner development at Provider Solutions & Development, a healthcare recruitment company.