Northwell Health's Stress First Aid program cuts doctor burnout rates in 2025

A recent study by the American Medical Association reveals that 41.9% of doctors reported at least one symptom of burnout in 2025. However, the same research also notes a modest but significant drop in burnout rates among healthcare workers. Northwell Health has been addressing this issue through its Stress First Aid program, now expanded across all its hospitals. Northwell Health first introduced the Stress First Aid program in 2021 at Zucker Hillside Hospital. The initiative uses a colour continuum to help staff assess their stress levels. It also ensures team members are aware of available wellness resources within the organisation.

To date, 35,000 Northwell employees have completed the training. The program’s effectiveness is tracked through impact surveys and process evaluations. A 2024 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found it improved perceptions of organisational support for healthcare worker wellbeing. The program has now been rolled out to every Northwell hospital. Its structured approach to stress management has contributed to measurable improvements in staff wellbeing. The expansion follows years of testing and positive feedback from participants.