Start using this app when you start your intern year

Monday, 19 February 2024

"I started using the My Well-being Index app when I started work as an intern. I heard other doctors talk about burnout and the effect on the individual and patient care, so I wanted to use an evidence-based measure to see where I was at burnout-wise," says resident medical officer, Dr Alex Ashenden.

"I started using the app during my second rotation and I've checked in intermittently during each subsequent rotation just to keep my awareness up. Happily, so far, my scores show low risk of burnout."

The My Well-being Index app is offered free to Avant members so doctors can quickly and easily monitor their own mental health. After setting it up, it only takes a minute or two each month or so to answer nine simple yes/no questions.

"After I answer the questions, I usually spend 10 to 15 minutes looking at some of the resources recommended within the app. If I’m too busy to dive in immediately, I open the resources and come back to them later," says Dr Ashenden.

"It’s reassuring to know that I'm currently doing okay and it gives me peace of mind that if I start to struggle, the app will clearly show that."

What are the best features of the My Well-being Index app?

I like the dashboard that shows where your level of burnout has been and where it is currently. I also like the visual representation that demonstrates the current likelihood of experiencing burnout.

Would you recommend the My Well-being Index app to others?

10/10 I would recommend it to others, even if they aren't currently feeling burnt out. There are a number of resources available in the app that can help prevent burnout. Even if you don't use these yourself it's handy to be able to point colleagues in the right direction if they need some additional support.

Any tips or tricks?

Just give it a go!

Find out more and download the app.

Note: Avant cannot access any individual user’s data and therefore use of the app has no impact on any product or service provided to members.

IMPORTANT: This publication is not comprehensive and does not constitute legal or medical advice. You should seek legal or other professional advice before relying on any content, and practise proper clinical decision making with regard to the individual circumstances. Persons implementing any recommendations contained in this publication must exercise their own independent skill or judgement or seek appropriate professional advice relevant to their own particular practice. Compliance with any recommendations will not in any way guarantee discharge of the duty of care owed to patients and others coming into contact with the health professional or practice. Avant is not responsible to you or anyone else for any loss suffered in connection with the use of this information. Information is only current at the date initially published.