Stress and burnout are common issues among healthcare professionals and even pre-professional students. Often associated with emotional exhaustion, a decline in empathy, elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and a reduction in job performance and satisfaction, burnout can lead to medical errors, higher healthcare costs, and even depression and suicide. Existing research indicates that engaging in the arts and humanities can lessen symptoms of stress and even burnout. The Nebraska Medical Orchestra (NMO), a non-auditioned orchestra open to all healthcare-related musicians, was created in 2018 as a wellness initiative in partnership between the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Music. In a 2019 survey-based study of the NMO, respondents reported their participation had a positive impact on their sense of well-being. A more recent study from 2021 builds on the previous research investigating how participation in the Nebraska Medical Orchestra is beneficial for participant well-being. This presentation will 1) introduce the Nebraska Medical Orchestra as a wellness intervention, 2) outline the past research demonstrating its positive impact on participant well-being, and 3) share in-depth results from the most recent interview-based study providing insight into how and why the participants derive personal benefits. The results have implications for the creation of other arts-based wellness initiatives for possible early intervention for pre-professional health science students and to improve healthcare provider wellness.

Authors:
Matthew Brooks, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Matthew Brooks is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States

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