1131 - The Microaffirmations in Perioperative Personnel Project (The MAPP Project)

Learning Outcome: 1) The learner will be able to define microaffirmations.
2) The learner will describe the potential impact of microaffirmations on employee fulfillment and burnout.
3) The learner will be able to practice using a microaffirmation toolkit to model the delivery of a microaffirmation in the perioperative space across subspecialties.

Overview/Abstract: The Microaffirmations in Perioperative Personnel (MAPP) Project aims to evaluate the use of microaffirmations to mitigate the impact of microaggressions in the perioperative space. At project initiation, baseline staff surveys showed low levels of professional fulfillment and moderate levels of burnout. Project coaches introduced the tenets of microaffirmations, as well as a toolkit of example microaffirmations, to their teams. Many support strategies were introduced, with the intention to increase the frequency of microaffirmations in the perioperative space. Using the Professional Fulfilment Index (PFI) and the Microaggression Impact Questionnaire (MIQ), post-MAPP Project surveys yielded an improvement in fulfilment, decrease in burnout, and a decrease of the impact of microaggressions for the entire perioperative group. This educational session will introduce of concept of intentional microaffirmation use with the assistance of a perioperative specific toolkit of examples while also allowing for attendees to practice the delivery of microaffirmations in real time small groups.

Description of Current State: While the negative impact of microaggressions is well characterized, the potential for microaffirmations to counter microaggressions is less studied. As emotional fatigue in the workplace continues to plague hospitals, the concept of microaffirmation is starting to emerge as a tool to promote a healthier and more resilient workforce.

Description of Desired/Achievable State: The stress of the workplace, especially in the pediatric perioperative space, can be overwhelming and can contribute to employee dissatisfaction. By teaching, modeling, and instilling a culture of microaffirmations, we can dramatically diminish negativity and improve the overall employee well-being. This work can be transferable to many other institutions and departments, not just in the healthcare arena but across other employment sectors as well.

Audience Engagement: The session will be divided into three distinct sections:
1. Introduction/

Background: We aim to engage our audience with an initial pre-test regarding their current state of knowledge regarding microaffirmations in the work setting. Following this, we intend to present the findings of the MAPP project, which have shown that the increased frequency of microaffirmations has increased professional fulfillment and decreased burnout among many groups at our institution including nurses, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and others.
2. Small Group Breakout sessions: Participants will be divided into small groups and given four perioperative specific clinical scenarios. Participants will be given the opportunity to provide a microaffirmation with and without using a toolkit. Moderators from the MAPP Team will facilitate conversations and answer questions posed.
3. Conclusion/Debrief/Wrap Up: Lastly, we will complete a post-test to ensure the audience understands and synthesizes this topic, while also providing a space for follow-up questions prior to educational session dismissal.

Additional Information: We have no other relevant information to disclose.

Content/Topics: 1) Pre-test
2) MAPP Project Findings
3) Breakout sessions: Workplace Scenarios
4) Debrief
5) Post-test and Concluding Statements

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Molina RL, Ricciotti H, Chie L, Luckett R, Wylie BJ, Woolcock E, Scott J. Creating a Culture of Micro-Affirmations to Overcome Gender-Based Micro-Inequities in Academic Medicine. Am J Med. 2019 Jul;132(7):785-787. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2019.01.028. Epub 2019 Feb 2. PMID: 30716299.
Rowe, M. Micro-affirmations & Micro-inequities. Journal of the International Ombudsman Association, Volume 1, Number 1, March 2008
Roberts H. Use microaffirmations and call out microaggressions to help others. Nature. 2021 Jun 3. doi: 10.1038/d41586-021-01498-7. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34083806.