From Research to Practice: Implementing an Evidence-Based Intervention for Nurse Well-Being in a Healthcare System.

Abstract

Background: In response to the high prevalence of burnout in nursing, a hospital research team developed, studied, and implemented RISE (Resilience, Insight, Self-Compassion, Empowerment), a novel psychoeducational group program designed to reduce distress and promote well-being among professional caregivers, specifically nurses and nurse leaders. Pilot studies and randomized controlled trials showed positive results, and thus, the program was operationalized. Methods: This quality improvement/quality assurance (QI/QA) project involved scaling the program and gathering data to evaluate implementation and impact on well-being indicators. The intervention involves structured weekly (8-9 weeks) 90-min group sessions integrating mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Eight licensed mental health providers were trained and delivered the program. Implementation outcomes included adoption/stakeholder engagement, fidelity, provider satisfaction, participant engagement, and sustainability. Participant outcomes were measured through validated scales and participant feedback forms. The implementation process was examined at the participant, provider, and organizational levels to identify barriers and enabling factors. Results: The program was implemented in seven acute care hospitals. From January 2023 to December 2024, 160 participants completed the program. Effective implementation strategies included intensive training and supervision of qualified providers, multi-departmental collaborations, and rigorous fidelity monitoring. Quality improvement processes addressed challenges such as early attrition and administrative burden. Evaluation data from pre- and post-intervention surveys demonstrated statistically significant improvements in psychological outcomes, with high satisfaction reported by both participants and providers. Conclusion: The findings support the effective implementation of the program as part of a broader organizational strategy to address nurse burnout and workforce mental health. Lessons, implications, and future directions for healthcare leaders are discussed.