Poster - #VH-19962 - Keywords: ear acupressure burnout vaccaria seeds healthcare providers

E.A.R.S (Ear Acupressure for the Resiliency of Staff) Program – Using Self-Administered Ear Acupressure Seeds for Health Care Providers to Mitigate Symptoms of Burnout Syndrome

Hilary Ong, MD[1], Augusta Saulys MD[1], Newton Abdo BSc[1], Robyn Adcock DACM, Lac2 [1]Department of Emergency Medicine, UCSF. Robyn Adcock DACM, Lac[2] [2]Stad Center for Pediatric Pain, Palliative and Integrative Medicine UCSF
University of California, San Francisco: Department of Emergency Medicine Stad Center of Pediatric Pain, Palliative and Integrative Medicine

ABSTRACT:
Healthcare providers are at high risk for symptoms of burnout. Ear acupressure has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, insomnia and burnout in health care workers. We did a feasibility study to see if healthcare providers could self-administer standardized ear acupressure therapy and effectively address common symptoms of burnout in a safe, inexpensive and timely manner. We found that 66% of providers felt that ear seeds benefited them, 52% reported stress reduction, 39% improved mood, 33% improved relaxation, 32% improved sleep. 92% of participants thought that ear seeds could be beneficial also for pts and their families.