Development of The Augusta Scale, a Workplace Mental Health and Well-being Survey
Abstract
Mental health and well-being are rising concerns in the United States workforce. These concerns are more pronounced among healthcare workers. Left unaddressed, burnout is likely to negatively impact many facets of healthcare.
In October 2022, the U.S. Surgeon General released the “Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being” in response to increasing concerns. The framework includes five “Essentials” centered around Worker Voice and Equity. These Essentials include “Protection from Harm”, “Connection and Community”, “Work-Life Harmony”, “Mattering at Work”, and “Opportunity for Growth”. Our team transformed each item from the framework into survey questions (The Augusta Scale). We piloted the Augusta Scale with Georgia Area Health Education Center (AHEC) preceptors.
A total of 583 individuals completed the survey. Responses were measured on a 1-to-5 Likert scale, with possible scores ranging from 22 to 110. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and omega. We conducted a Confirmatory Factor Analysis to assess construct validity. We also included one burnout question and one quality of life question to assess the convergent validity of the Augusta Scale.
Total survey scores ranged from 32 to 110, with a mean score of 85.88 (SD 17.38). Individuals who were aged 60+ scored highest, followed by 50-59, 40-49, and 30-39. Males had higher total scores than females. White respondents had the highest scores, followed by Asian, Black, and Other respondents. The highest scores by profession were physicians, physician assistances, and advanced practice nurses, respectively. Subscale reliability ranged from Cronbach’s α of 0.71 to 0.94. The convergent validity analysis confirmed the inverse relationship between the total scale score and the perception of burnout.
Significant differences were detected in total well-being scores measured by the Augusta Scale across demographic variables. Our results provide specific areas of discrepancy for policymakers to address. We plan to distribute our survey at a national level.
Keywords
Mental Health, Well-Being, Survey Research, Healthcare Workers, Preceptors
Development of The Augusta Scale, a Workplace Mental Health and Well-being Survey
Mental health and well-being are rising concerns in the United States workforce. These concerns are more pronounced among healthcare workers. Left unaddressed, burnout is likely to negatively impact many facets of healthcare.
In October 2022, the U.S. Surgeon General released the “Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being” in response to increasing concerns. The framework includes five “Essentials” centered around Worker Voice and Equity. These Essentials include “Protection from Harm”, “Connection and Community”, “Work-Life Harmony”, “Mattering at Work”, and “Opportunity for Growth”. Our team transformed each item from the framework into survey questions (The Augusta Scale). We piloted the Augusta Scale with Georgia Area Health Education Center (AHEC) preceptors.
A total of 583 individuals completed the survey. Responses were measured on a 1-to-5 Likert scale, with possible scores ranging from 22 to 110. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and omega. We conducted a Confirmatory Factor Analysis to assess construct validity. We also included one burnout question and one quality of life question to assess the convergent validity of the Augusta Scale.
Total survey scores ranged from 32 to 110, with a mean score of 85.88 (SD 17.38). Individuals who were aged 60+ scored highest, followed by 50-59, 40-49, and 30-39. Males had higher total scores than females. White respondents had the highest scores, followed by Asian, Black, and Other respondents. The highest scores by profession were physicians, physician assistances, and advanced practice nurses, respectively. Subscale reliability ranged from Cronbach’s α of 0.71 to 0.94. The convergent validity analysis confirmed the inverse relationship between the total scale score and the perception of burnout.
Significant differences were detected in total well-being scores measured by the Augusta Scale across demographic variables. Our results provide specific areas of discrepancy for policymakers to address. We plan to distribute our survey at a national level.
