We surveyed staff at HRSA-supported health centers. We wanted to find out whether they were:
- Satisfied in their job
- Connected to their work, peers, and workplace
- Burned out
- Planning to stay in their job
The survey started in November 2022 and ended in January 2023.
Who took the survey?
About half of 1,500 HRSA-supported health centers took it. Staff represent different workforce categories.
Note: We refer to these health centers as “participants.”
Are the results available?
We posted national data from the survey in the HRSA Data Warehouse. You can narrow the results by region, job category, or demographic. You can also see a report (PDF - 3 MB) summarizing and analyzing the national data.
Reports for participants and Primary Care Associations (PCAs)
Each participant received a report of their initial results in spring of 2023. It included averages of the responses. It did not list who took the survey or include individual responses.
Participants will receive a final dashboard in spring 2024. They will be able to compare their results to national and regional data. Participants can use these reports for quality improvement.
At the same time, PCAs will receive results for their state or region.
Participants had the chance to opt out of sharing their results with their PCA. The PCA dashboards will omit those who chose to opt out.
How did you design the survey?
We:
- Reviewed around 1,200 journal articles. They:
- Revealed the top causes of burnout and low job satisfaction.
- Established factors that impact staff well-being.
- Held listening sessions with 70+ health center staff from many workforce categories. They shed light on what increases positive job experiences.
Did you check in with health centers while designing it?
Yes, we:
- Interviewed 60+ staff to refine the questions.
- Gathered feedback from 500+ staff. Some helped us ensure that the data we collect means what we expect.
- Gave a group of more than 330 a pilot survey.
- More than 80% felt the length was fine. It took them 25-30 minutes to complete.
- More than 70% said it would be useful.
What’s in the survey?
It addresses these topics:
- Job characteristics
- Leadership
- Experiences and attitudes
- Resources
- Demographics
Review the full survey:
- Health Center Workforce Well-being Survey (PDF - 661 KB)
- La Encuesta de la HRSA Sobre El Bienestar del Personal de los Centros de Salud (PDF - 362 KB)
What was the timeline for the survey?
Spring 2022
We issued a Federal Register Notice and invited comments.
Summer 2022
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reviewed the survey.
Our contractor prepared to administer the survey.
Fall 2022 and Winter 2023
OMB approved the survey in mid-November 2022.
Our contractor issued the survey between November 2022 and January 2023.
Spring 2023
We shared initial results with participants.
Fall 2023
We published national data in the HRSA Data Warehouse.
We kicked off technical assistance for HRSA-supported health centers.
Spring 2024
Participants will receive their final results.
PCAs will receive results for their state or region. They will be able to access data for participants that did not opt out of sharing that data.
Did you ensure the survey was confidential?
Yes. Each survey taker received a unique link. We have no way of linking someone to their specific results.
We will not share any information about the people who took the survey or their answers. Neither will our contractor. This information is, and will remain, private.
Participant dashboards do NOT include:
- Respondent names
- Information that could identify people
- Individual responses
Privacy Act Notification Statement
General
This information is provided pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-579), as amended, for individuals supplying information for inclusion in a system of records.
Statutory Authority
Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act (PHS), (42 USC 254b), as amended.
Purposes and Uses
The Health Center Program’s purpose is to support domestic public or private, nonprofit community-based and patient-directed organizations that provide primary health care services to the nation’s medically underserved populations. This survey measured workforce well-being, satisfaction, and burnout across all health center job categories. Through it, staff feedback will inform HRSA’s workforce well-being initiatives and technical assistance.
Effects of Nondisclosure
Disclosure of the information sought is voluntary.
Questions?
Use the BPHC Contact Form or call 877-464-4772 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday (except federal holidays).