April 6, 2025 — King Faisal Hospital (KFH), Kigali, has completed one of the most comprehensive institutional wellness assessments ever conducted in East Africa, providing detailed data on healthcare worker wellness patterns that will inform programming across Rwanda’s healthcare system.

The extensive study, published in April 2025, surveyed healthcare professionals across all hospital departments using validated assessment instruments including the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Fatigue Assessment Scale. The research provides healthcare leaders with detailed data on wellness patterns in high-acuity medical settings.

The study findings show that 57% of healthcare workers at KFH report burnout symptoms, with 71% reporting significant work-related fatigue. The data reveals that frontline clinical providers—doctors, nurses, and midwives—experience the highest rates, with mid-career professionals (5-15 years of experience) showing elevated risk patterns.

“These data points help us understand exactly where targeted interventions can make the biggest difference,” said Dr. Jackson Ndekezi Kwizera, who has collaborated with KFH on wellness research. “The numbers tell us that healthcare workers need comprehensive support systems, which is exactly what MedWell Initiative 2025 is designed to provide.”

The KFH study employed rigorous methodology, including anonymous digital surveys, focus group discussions, and exit interviews. The research identified specific factors contributing to wellness patterns: staffing ratios, professional development opportunities, recognition systems, and resource availability.

Dr. Néhémie Nzeyimana, the study’s lead author and practicing physician at KFH, emphasized the research’s practical applications. “This data helps us understand how to better support our healthcare professionals as we continue expanding services and improving care quality,” he explained.

The study’s findings align with broader research conducted by IMEGH, which has documented wellness patterns among healthcare providers nationwide. The KFH data provides institutional-level detail that complements system-wide analysis, offering healthcare leaders comprehensive information for planning support programs.

The research directly informs MedWell Initiative programming. The Healthcare Volleyball Tournament builds peer support networks that research shows improve professional satisfaction. The tournament format encourages cross-institutional collaboration, helping address the isolation factors the KFH study identified.

The Evening Walk for Wellness, scheduled for October 10 at Kigali Golf Club starting at 17:00, provides structured wellness activities and networking opportunities. The walk addresses the stress relief and professional connection needs documented in the KFH research.

The Healthcare Awards Gala Night responds to the recognition factors the study identified as important for professional satisfaction. The gala celebrates excellence across multiple categories: Wellness Champion Awards, Facility Awards, Best Wellness Education, Best Intervention, Best Research, Lifetime Achievement, and a Tribute Award for Marburg outbreak heroes.

Healthcare institutions can use the KFH research data to inform their participation in MedWell 2025. Corporate tables at the gala (400,000 RWF for 10 seats) and VIP tables (200,000 RWF for 5 seats) provide institutions with opportunities to demonstrate support for evidence-based wellness programming.

Healthcare institutions can build on KFH’s research insights by participating in MedWell 2025 through team registration, sponsorship opportunities, or gala participation. Information is available at info@medwell.com

Source: Staff burnout and its risk factors at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda, PubMed ID: 40197340, published April 6, 2025.