Physician Wellness
Resources are available to help physicians cope with increased levels of distress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources for physicians within the three major health systems in the state include:
Avera Health LIGHT Provider Wellness Program
The LIGHT program provides services to Avera physicians, PAs, NPs, and residents licensed in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. This professional program provides the support and tools needed to help reduce stress, optimize workflow, improve work-life balance and prevent burnout. Programming provides coaching, treatment referral, case management, client support, education and outreach presentations. Learn more.
Monument Health LiveWell ProgramThe LiveWell Program is designed to support the well-being of our physicians & caregivers throughout the year, at work and at home. It strives to empower individuals to become healthier, happier and more productive. The program focuses on several areas including emotional well-being, mental health, physical health and financial well-being. The LiveWell program partners closely with Monument Health’s Employee Assistance Program to share meaningful information through monthly webinars, crisis support, individual mental health sessions with a licensed provider, and specialty services to support work-life balance (i.e., legal resources, child care services, elderly support services, etc.). The Employee Assistance Program is available to everyone living in the household Learn more.
Sanford Health Clinician Wellbeing ResourcesSanford
Health provides personal and professional wellbeing resources and
services to physicians and other health care providers licensed in South
Dakota and surrounding regions where Sanford facilities and clinicians
are located. The Sanford Clinician Experience team coordinates the
programming that provides personal wellbeing and professional
development to enhance resilience, mitigate distress and work
exhaustion, empower professional growth and build relationships.
Sanford clinicians can access these services and resources within the
Wellbeing Page of the Sanford Physician Portal.
Mental Health
Managing Mental Health During COVID-19
Caring for Caregivers
The World Health Organization summarizes mental health considerations for health care workers and leaders/managers of health facilities to support mental and psychosocial well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Managing Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Virus Outbreak -- Details key principles for health care providers and others concerned with the psychological welfare of the public to follow when providing help in situations like the COVID-19 outbreak. It also lists concrete steps health care providers can take to foster social connections, and support community and individual well-being.
App: Headspace, an American Medical Association-preferred app on the topics of "meditation and mindfulness," is offering a free subscription to U.S.-based health care professionals for free through 2020 (must have a National Provider Identifier to redeem subscription). AMA members can get a free 2-year subscription.