The Use of Simulation to Improve Family Understanding and Support of Anesthesia Providers

Introduction Burnout in medical providers is associated with work dissatisfaction, reduction in patient safety, and provider depression. Simulation is a tool effectively used for specific task training but has not been broadly used as a means to combat medical professional stress and enhance wellness. The authors created a medical simulation program targeted at those involved in the social support of medical providers. The hypothesis was that education of non-medical persons involved in social support would translate into an enhanced understanding of the demands among medical providers in anesthesiology. This understanding would thereby open communication pathways within the social support system and contribute to enhanced wellness among providers. Methods To assess effectiveness and benefits of the event, survey data were obtained from anesthesia providers and their adult support persons before and after the event. The anesthesia providers were queried on their perception regarding the benefit of the event for their support persons. Support persons were asked questions regarding their understanding of the role of an anesthesia provider. Results Sixty-three family members and friends (adult=30, child=33) participated in a two-hour simulation event including activities for participants of all ages. Twenty-nine (96.7%) adult participants (age ≥ 14) completed the support person surveys before and/or after the event. The post-event survey results revealed participants’ satisfaction with the event (n=26, 100%). This simulation event also demonstrated an improved understanding of the demands among anesthesia providers by their support persons (seven items, P values range from less than .0001 to .0313). Most anesthesia providers who attended the event enjoyed it a significant amount (n=19, 82.6%). Most providers whose primary work-related support persons attended the event believed that it would be easier to communicate work-related issues (n=12, 85.7%). Conclusion We outline "The Family Anesthesia Experience Day" as a wellness initiative for anesthesia providers. Our study demonstrated improved understanding of support persons’ knowledge about anesthesia providers’ work-related stress via an immersive two-hour simulation-based learning experience. The event was well-received and may be a useful approach to provide support persons with an opportunity to learn about and better support their beloved anesthesia provider.