High Reliability Organization Principles Improve VA Workplace Burnout

The Truman THRIVE² Model

Abstract

Provider burnout is a significant health care concern. It is unclear whether high reliability organization (HRO) practices can prevent it. The Truman Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) undertook an initiative implementing HRO principles and assessed for impact on burnout metrics. This became known as the Transformative HRO Initiative Via Employee Engagement (THRIVE²) model. THRIVE² consisted of Just Culture training, Clinical Team Training, and continuous process improvement through Lean. Truman VAMC was compared with other Veterans Health Affairs (VHA) facilities regarding burnout and employee satisfaction metrics. Truman VAMC saw significant changes in multiple HRO metrics (P < 0.001) as well as improvements in work group psychological safety and employee exhaustion (P < 0.001). High burnout rates decreased by 52% (6.2%–2.95%; P < 0.001). Truman VAMC went from 75th to the No. 1 ranked VHA facility regarding Best Places to Work. These findings have significant national policy implications given the effects of burnout.