The PA Student Experience: How Institutions Can Support Well-Being to Reduce Stress and Burnout

Rising levels of burnout among medical providers have been noted with the phenomenon being identified in the academic setting for these emerging professionals (Dyrbye et al., 2008; West et al., 2018). Recognizing the link between excessive stress, burnout, and low well-being is crucial. (Dyrbye et al., 2010; Loehr & Schwartz, 2001). As outcomes associated with low levels of wellbeing and burnout are known to negatively impact the individual and the organization in which the individual functions, interventions to improve the phenomenon are needed (Dyrbye & Shanafelt, 2016; West et al., 2018). Literature suggests that the causes of burnout and low levels of well-being are rooted in conditions with learning and/or work environments rather than an individual's characteristics (Dyrbye & Shanafelt, 2016). While there is an abundance of research on physicians and medical students, there has been limited research on the physician assistant (PA) population (Dyrbye et al., 2008; Johnson et al., 2020c; West et al., 2018). A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to identify primary factors influencing PA student experiences, their impact on stress, well-being, and burnout. The goal was to better understand the PA student experience such that a toolkit could be created for institutions to use to improve student stress and well-being thus preventing or mitigating burnout. Primary findings highlight the influence one's environment has on stress and well-being. The study produced four distinct themes with a fifth, culture, identified as a contributing thread to each of the other four. As a result of the research, recommendations and interventional strategies are offered to organizational leaders to prevent burnout and improve stress and well-being of their PA students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]