UCF launches RenewU, a free evidence-based toolkit to combat healthcare burnout and enhance provider resilience globally.

Florida, United States:  Burnout among healthcare providers is escalating, with a 2022 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report showing 46% of health workers felt burned out often or very often, up from 38% in 2018. To address this, the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Academic Health Sciences Center has introduced RenewU, a free, evidence-based virtual toolkit designed to build resiliency and support well-being among healthcare providers, students, clinics, and hospitals worldwide.

RenewU includes 10 peer-reviewed interventions to prevent burnout and promote resilience in demanding work environments. Developed by faculty from UCF’s Colleges of Health Professions and Sciences, Medicine, and Nursing, the program is backed by a USD 1.5 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

“Burnout has emerged as a growing epidemic among healthcare providers,” said Magdelena Pasarica, assistant dean for medical education at UCF’s College of Medicine. “We wanted to create a virtual, free resource that will work for everyone — whether you’re in a huge academic medical center or a clinic in rural Arkansas.”

Faculty noted that while wellness resources are widely available online, many lack scientific validation or are not tailored to healthcare teams. “Promoting health and wellness among healthcare professionals allows us to better care for our patients,” added Laurie Neely, associate professor of physical therapy.

The toolkit features two sections: mental and physical well-being. Mental health topics include stress management, mindfulness, boundary setting, and strategies for detaching from work. Expert-led videos guide participants through practical methods for handling self-doubt and high-pressure situations.

“We selected these evidence-based interventions with intention, keeping in mind the fast-paced and often unpredictable nature of healthcare environments,” said Asli Yalim, associate professor in UCF’s School of Social Work. “The practices in this toolkit go beyond generic five- or ten-minute mental health tips.”

Physical wellness resources focus on “active rest,” such as desk exercises and walking breaks, alongside healthy eating guidance. Recipes and videos highlight Omega-3-rich meals like baked salmon with vegetables to support both physical and mental health.

With RenewU, UCF aims to provide healthcare workers and students with practical, research-based tools to manage stress, build resilience, and foster long-term well-being.