ASA Launches ‘SafeHaven’ to Combat Burnout, Promote Mental Health

Originally published by our sister publication Anesthesiology News

The American Society of Anesthesiologists has launched a new wellness initiative, SafeHaven, a program offering personalized assistance to help combat stress and burnout. The ASA, in partnership with the ASA Charitable Foundation and VITAL WorkLife—a mental health and well-being company specifically for healthcare organizations—is providing the resource to anesthesiologists at a time when reports of physician burnout are at an all-time high. 

“ASA couldn’t be more pleased to offer anesthesiologists and their families this much-needed resource to help with burnout and other threats to maintaining work−life balance,” said ASA President Ronald L. Harter, MD.  “These issues negatively impact physician well-being and can lower both quality of care and patient satisfaction, while increasing healthcare costs. It is imperative to have resources to address these needs and minimize their effects.”

Created by the Medical Society of Virginia, SafeHaven offers physicians a confidential resource to discuss their well-being and career development. The program offers an array of services—available to ASA members and their extended family members—including:

• counseling sessions;
• peer coaching;
• leadership development;
• 24/7 in-the-moment support line;
• work−life balance concierge services;
• financial and legal resources; and 
• online resources and app.

The high-risk nature of practicing anesthesiology, particularly in emergency situations, is a significant source of stress. Although approximately 45% of physicians across all specialties report at least one symptom of burnout, anesthesiologists may experience even higher rates of burnout, as well as depression. Anesthesiology residents, fellows and early career physicians are at the greatest risk. 

For more information about the program, visit www.asahq.org/safehaven. To enroll, visit https://safehavenhealth.org/enroll/asa/.