PennEM fit tested: Moving together towards wellness during the surgen innovative wellness initiative

Intro/Background: Approximately 46-60% of trainees experience symptoms of burnout. Emergency medicine is a particularly high-risk specialty for burnout, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating certain contributing characteristics. Social distancing has potentially contributed to feelings of isolation as well. Participating in 150 minutes of activity per week is ideal for overall health with regular physical activity improving cognition and providing other psychological and social benefits. Encouraging regular physical activity may promote resident wellness. Purpose/Objective: We implemented a 4-week residency physical activity challenge during the first COVID-19 surge in order to: 1. Encourage regular physical activity 2. Increase a sense of community 3. Improve overall wellness. Methods: Participants created a Strava account and joined the club, PennEM Fit Tested. Points were earned each day a resident participated in 30 minutes of physical activity. Those posting 5 days in a week were eligible for weekly prizes. At the end of the challenge, residents with the most active days won awards. Prizes were also given for creative pictures and activity titles. Residents had the opportunity to provide “kudos” and post on each other's activities. Outcomes (if available): At the conclusion of the challenge, participants were asked to complete a survey to better understand impact. Twenty-eight residents participated in the challenge. Our response rate was 89.3% (n=25) with 76% (n=19) identifying as being more physically active as a result of the challenge. 92% (n=23) identified the challenge as fostering a personal sense of community with 92% (n=23) stating the challenge improved their overall wellness. Summary: Emergency medicine is a particularly high-risk specialty for burnout, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating certain contributing characteristics. Social distancing has potentially contributed to feelings of isolation as well. Studies have shown that participating in 150 minutes of activity per week is ideal for overall health with regular physical activity improving cognition and providing other psychological and social benefits. Encouraging regular physical activity may promote resident wellness. We implemented a voluntary, 4-week residency physical activity challenge during the first COVID-19 surge in order to encourage regular physical activity, increase a sense of community, and improve overall wellness. Residents created a Strava account and joined the club, PennEM Fit Tested. During the challenge, points were given for each day a resident participated in 30 minutes of physical activity. Those posting 5 days of activity in a week were eligible for weekly prizes. At the end of the challenge, residents with the most active days won awards. Residents had the opportunity to provide “kudos” and post encouraging comments on each other's activities. At the conclusion of the challenge, participants were asked to complete a survey to better understand impact of the challenge. Twenty-eight residents participated in the challenge, with 76% identifying as being more physically active, 92% identifying the challenge as fostering a personal sense of community, and 92% stating the challenge improved their overall wellness. Physical activity challenges can promote a sense of community and positively impact the overall wellness of residents. Similar challenges can easily be implemented at other programs. Future iterations will focus on increasing participation and teamwork.