Background: Lingering fatigue and the effects of burnout are everywhere in the healthcare community as the strain of the pandemic continues to impact our lives. Studies have shown inclusion, respect and civility in the workplace increases physician’s professional satisfaction and decreases their level of burnout. Storytelling is recognized as an effective means to positively change organizational culture. Sharing of stories shifts individual experience into collective ones, building comradery around a common goal. When story worthy events occur in the hospital, it is crucial to share them widely to inspire others.
Stories were collected from volunteers through personal interviews (in person or Zoom), deidentified and stored on a password protected computer and reviewed to ensure the privacy of patient information in accordance with HIPPA regulations.
Learning Objectives: To promote storytelling as a tool to engender a positive workplace culture.
To share the evidence of how this method of teaching can positively impact all work environments including the medical community.
To share stories of health care workers that exemplify the core values of our institution, specifically related to the breast imaging.
To set an example of how storytelling in medicine can be used to improve culture and workplace satisfaction and decrease physician burnout.
Abstract Content/Results: The presentation will review literature on storytelling as a method of teaching, communicating, and building a positive workplace culture. We will explore the evidence on how it can reduce burnout and improve workplace satisfaction and patient safety. A collection of HIPPA compliant curated breast imaging stories will exhibit experiences on patient education and enlightenment, times of shared joy, extraordinary acts of compassion and more. They reveal moments of vulnerability, as well as perseverance through uncertainty to provide the best care possible. One story, for example, involves breast imagers, technologists and surgeons collaborating to help a young disabled woman obtain a breast biopsy under anesthesia in the operating room. These stories highlight core values of caring, innovation, inclusion, teamwork, and integrity, and how these values can lead to exceptional care.
Conclusion: Storytelling is an effective activity for teaching and learning, as stories are more memorable than the facts when taught without context and meaning. Sharing of personal stories can enrich the lives of others who may be struggling with similar challenges or strengthen team bonds through shared experiences. By encouraging storytelling in our hospital, we hope to invigorate others to carry this tradition forward and help strengthen workplace culture wherever they go.
