In recent years, burnout (a condition typically characterized by emotional depletion, skepticism, and diminished efficiency) has become a critical issue in the healthcare sector. However, in a positive turn of events, the AMA has recently reported that physician burnout rates have reached their lowest point since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, I contend that with 43 percent of the physician population still feeling this way, there remains significant work to be done.

But why is this still a concern? Beyond the fact that people should ideally enjoy their work, this statistic represents 40 percent of our physicians and peers who may contribute to low patient satisfaction, a decline in the quality of patient care, and an indicator of medical mistakes. To address burnout, organizations must continue to make progress in supporting their staff at an institutional level, while individuals must not overlook the influence we can exert over our own mental wellness. Though recovery from burnout is possible, it is essential to prioritize prevention whenever feasible to circumvent the difficulties associated with remediation.

To assist physicians in developing the necessary skills to uphold their well-being throughout their careers, it is crucial that we offer strategies for preventing and managing burnout as early in their journeys as possible (from medical students to attendings). This could yield long-lasting benefits for the medical field, enhance patient care, and positively impact individuals on a personal level. The rest of this article will concentrate on a particular tool that can aid in integrating mindfulness and wellness into our daily lives.

The 10-10-10 Prevention Tool

Prior research, including this study, suggests that mindfulness programs within health professions education (including medicine, dentistry, and nursing) can alleviate negative emotions and stress among learners, while fostering empathy and compassion. These findings may significantly influence an individual’s daily perceptions of their work and their capacity to prevent burnout or enhance overall mental wellness.

In light of this, the 10-10-10 Prevention Tool was created to serve as a mechanism for individuals to establish a figurative “menu” of mindful or protective behaviors that can be executed in three distinct time frames. The goal of documenting these actions and keeping them easily accessible is to alleviate the mental burden of generating mindful practices during stressful situations, thereby facilitating the seamless incorporation of these tailored behaviors into daily life. Utilizing this tool, the key to practicing mindfulness lies in recognizing opportune moments, which develops through practice.

• Activities in the “10 seconds” category are intended to emulate situations such as right before a test or upon entering a patient’s room. Examples might consist of box breathing, observing your surroundings or body, or reciting a mantra or prayer.
• Activities in the “10 minutes” category can be utilized amidst commitments or during scheduled breaks. Examples may include walking, closing your eyes, journaling, snacking, meditating, or organizing upcoming tasks.
• Activities in the “10 hours” category signify a full (or primarily) day off from work. Examples might involve physical exercise, reconnecting with friends or family, dedicating time to personal interests, or participating in organized events.

Experiment with it personally and devise actions that resonate with your values and circumstances. Aim to include actions that realistically match your specific constraints regarding schedule, setting, and budget.

Wider Applications

The 10-10-10 Prevention Tool was originally crafted as an exercise for medical students to be