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Macrynikola N, Mir Z, Gopal T, Rodriguez E, Li S, Cox M, Yeh G, Torous J. The impact of mindfulness apps on psychological processes of change: a systematic review. NPJ MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 3:14. [PMID: 38609511 PMCID: PMC10955957 DOI: 10.1038/s44184-023-00048-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy for various psychological conditions, and smartphone apps that facilitate mindfulness practice can enhance the reach and impact of MBIs. The goal of this review was to summarize the published evidence on the impact of mindfulness apps on the psychological processes known to mediate transdiagnostic symptom reduction after mindfulness practice. A literature search from January 1, 1993, to August 7, 2023 was conducted on three databases, and 28 randomized controlled trials involving 5963 adults were included. Across these 28 studies, 67 outcome comparisons were made between a mindfulness app group and a control group. Between-group effects tended to favor the mindfulness app group over the control group in three psychological process domains: repetitive negative thinking, attention regulation, and decentering/defusion. Findings were mixed in other domains (i.e., awareness, nonreactivity, non-judgment, positive affect, and acceptance). The range of populations examined, methodological concerns across studies, and problems with sustained app engagement likely contributed to mixed findings. However, effect sizes tended to be moderate to large when effects were found, and gains tended to persist at follow-up assessments two to six months later. More research is needed to better understand the impact of these apps on psychological processes of change. Clinicians interested in integrating apps into care should consider app-related factors beyond evidence of a clinical foundation and use app databases to identify suitable apps for their patients, as highlighted at the end of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Macrynikola
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Zareen Mir
- Teacher's College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Sunnie Li
- Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Milann Cox
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Gloria Yeh
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Torous
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Bhugra D, Smith AJ, Ventriglio A, Rao N, Ng R, Javed A, Chisolm MS, Malhi G, Kar A, Chumakov E, Liebrenz M. World Psychiatric Association-Asian Journal of Psychiatry Commission on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of International Medical Graduates. Asian J Psychiatr 2024; 93:103943. [PMID: 38342035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2024.103943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Historically, doctors have migrated for a range of personal, educational, economic, and political reasons. Likewise, medical students from many countries have moved abroad to complete their training and education and may or may not return to their country of origin. Within this context, globalisation has had a major impact on medical education and healthcare workforces, contributing to recent migration trends. Globalisation is a complex phenomenon with positive and negative outcomes. For example, lower-income countries are regularly losing doctors to higher-income areas, thereby exacerbating strains on existing services. Across various national healthcare settings, migrating International Medical Graduates (IMGs) can face socioenvironmental and psychosocial pressures, which can lead to lower mental wellbeing and undermine their contributions to clinical care. Rates of stress and burnout are generally increasing for doctors and medical students. For IMGs, stressors related to migration, acculturation, and adjustment are not dissimilar to other migrants but may carry with them specific nuances. Accordingly, this Commission will explore the history of IMG trends and the challenges faced by IMGs, proposing recommendations and solutions to support their mental health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Bhugra
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, Kings College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Alexander J Smith
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Nyapati Rao
- Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Roger Ng
- World Psychiatric Association, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Afzal Javed
- World Psychiatric Association, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Gin Malhi
- School of Psychiatry, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anindya Kar
- Advanced Neuropsychiatry Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Egor Chumakov
- Department of Psychiatry & Addiction, St Petersburg State University, St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Michael Liebrenz
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Anger WK, Dimoff JK, Alley L. Addressing Health Care Workers' Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Interventions and Current Resources. Am J Public Health 2024; 114:213-226. [PMID: 38354343 PMCID: PMC10916736 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Background. Mental health is declining in health care workers. Objectives. To provide a comprehensive assessment of intervention literature focused on the support and treatment of mental health within the health care workforce. Search Methods. We searched online databases (e.g., Medline, PsycINFO). Selection Criteria. We selected manuscripts published before March 2022 that evaluated the target population (e.g., nurses), mental health outcomes (e.g., burnout, depression), and intervention category (e.g., mindfulness). Data Collection and Analysis. Of 5158 publications screened, 118 interventions were included. We extracted relevant statistics and information. Main Results. Twenty (17%) earned study quality ratings indicating design, analysis, and implementation strengths. Randomized controlled trials were used by 52 studies (44%). Thirty-eight percent were conducted in the United States (n = 45). Ninety (76%) reported significant changes, and 46 (39%) reported measurable effect sizes. Multiple interventions significantly reduced stress (n = 29; 24%), anxiety (n = 20; 17%), emotional exhaustion or compassion fatigue (n = 16; 14%), burnout (n = 15; 13%), and depression (n = 15; 13%). Authors' Conclusions. Targeted, well-designed mental health interventions can improve outcomes among health care workers. Public Health Implications. Targeted health care‒focused interventions to address workers' mental health could improve outcomes within this important and vulnerable workforce. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S2):S213-S226. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307556).
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Affiliation(s)
- W Kent Anger
- W. Kent Anger and Lindsey Alley are with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Portland, OR 97233. Jennifer Dimoff is with University of Ottawa, Telfer School of Management, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer K Dimoff
- W. Kent Anger and Lindsey Alley are with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Portland, OR 97233. Jennifer Dimoff is with University of Ottawa, Telfer School of Management, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lindsey Alley
- W. Kent Anger and Lindsey Alley are with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Portland, OR 97233. Jennifer Dimoff is with University of Ottawa, Telfer School of Management, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Underdahl L, Ditri M, Duthely LM. Physician Burnout: Evidence-Based Roadmaps to Prioritizing and Supporting Personal Wellbeing. J Healthc Leadersh 2024; 16:15-27. [PMID: 38192639 PMCID: PMC10773242 DOI: 10.2147/jhl.s389245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Current literature validates the magnitude of physician burnout as a complex challenge affecting physicians, patients, and healthcare delivery that mandates science-informed intervention. Physician burnout affects both individual practitioners and patient care delivery. Interventions, defined as roadmaps, to prioritizing and supporting personal wellbeing encompass organizational, individual, and moral injury, with virtually no consensus on optimal approaches. The purpose of this conceptual review is to present evidence-based innovative insights on contributing factors, mitigation, and designing adaptive systems to combat and prevent burnout. Science-informed policy initiatives that support long-term organizational changes endorsed by both leadership and institutional stakeholders are keys to sustaining personal wellbeing and ending burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Underdahl
- College of Doctoral Studies, University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Mary Ditri
- Community Health, New Jersey Hospital Association, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Lunthita M Duthely
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and the Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL, USA
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Chang J, Saggar V, Cortijo‐Brown A, Friedman BW, Jones M, Li‐Sauerwine S, Rebillot K, Corbo J. Improving physician well-being and reducing burnout using a peer-to-peer recognition program. AEM EDUCATION AND TRAINING 2023; 7:e10861. [PMID: 36994318 PMCID: PMC10041070 DOI: 10.1002/aet2.10861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Drivers of physician burnout include an intricate interplay between health care organizational structures, societal influences, and individual-level factors. In the traditional workforce, peer-to-peer recognition programs (PRPs) have reduced burnout by building a sense of community and effectively creating a "wellness culture." We implemented a PRP in an emergency medicine (EM) residency and determined its impact on subjective symptoms of burnout and wellness. Methods This was a prospective, pre- and postintervention study conducted in a single residency over a 6-month period. All 84 EM residents of the program were sent a voluntary anonymized survey that included a validated instrument on wellness and burnout. A PRP was initiated. After 6 months, a second survey was distributed. The outcome of the study was to examine whether the addition of a PRP reduced burnout and improved wellness. Results There were 84 respondents to the pre-PRP survey and 72 to the post-PRP survey. Respondents reported an improvement after the inception of the use of the PRP in two factors that contribute to a physician's wellness: feeling recognized for accomplishments at work, which improved from 45% (38/84) affirmative to 63% (45/72; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3%-32.4%, p = 0.025) and a comfortable and supportive work environment, which improved from 68% (57/84) to 85% (61/72; 95% CI 3.5%-29.3%, p = 0.014). There was no significant effect in the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI) as a result of this intervention over the 6 months. Conclusions A PRP initiative resulted in improvements in several factors that drive physician wellness but overall burnout measured by the Stanford PFI did not show any improvement over the 6-month period. A future longitudinal study examining the continuous assessment of PRP on the EM residents throughout the entire course of 4 years of residency training would be beneficial to determine if it could change burnout from year to year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Chang
- Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineMontefiore Medical CenterNew York CityNew YorkUSA
- Jacobi Medical Center, Department of Emergency MedicineNYC Health + HospitalsNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Vinay Saggar
- Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineMontefiore Medical CenterNew York CityNew YorkUSA
- Jacobi Medical Center, Department of Emergency MedicineNYC Health + HospitalsNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Alexis Cortijo‐Brown
- Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineMontefiore Medical CenterNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Benjamin W. Friedman
- Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineMontefiore Medical CenterNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Michael Jones
- Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineMontefiore Medical CenterNew York CityNew YorkUSA
- Jacobi Medical Center, Department of Emergency MedicineNYC Health + HospitalsNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Simiao Li‐Sauerwine
- Department of Emergency MedicineThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
| | | | - Jill Corbo
- Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
- Jacobi Medical Center, Department of Emergency MedicineNYC Health + HospitalsNew York CityNew YorkUSA
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Blodgett JM, Birch JM, Musella M, Harkness F, Kaushal A. What Works to Improve Wellbeing? A Rapid Systematic Review of 223 Interventions Evaluated with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scales. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15845. [PMID: 36497919 PMCID: PMC9737992 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) is a commonly used scale of mental wellbeing focusing entirely on the positive aspect of mental health. It has been widely used in a broad range of clinical and research settings, including to evaluate if interventions, programmes or pilots improve wellbeing. We aimed to systematically review all interventions that used WEMWBS and evaluate which interventions are the most effective at improving wellbeing. METHODS Eligible populations included children and adults, with no health or age restrictions. Any intervention study was eligible if the wellbeing outcome was measured using the 7 or 14-item WEMWBS scale assessed both pre- and post-intervention. We identified eligible intervention studies using three approaches: a database search (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PyschInfo and Web of Science from January 2007 to present), grey literature search, and by issuing a call for evidence. Narrative synthesis and random-effects meta-analysis of standardised mean differences in the intervention group were used to summarise intervention effects on WEMWBS score. RESULTS We identified 223 interventions across 209 studies, with a total of 53,834 participants across all studies. Five main themes of interventions were synthesised: psychological (n = 80); social (n = 54); arts, culture and environment (n = 29); physical health promotion (n = 18); and other (n = 28). Psychological interventions based on resilience, wellbeing or self-management techniques had the strongest effect on wellbeing. A broad range of other interventions were effective at improving mental wellbeing, including other psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy, psychoeducation and mindfulness. Medium to strong effects were also seen for person-centred support/advice (social), arts-based, parenting (social) and social prescribing interventions. However, a major limitation of the evidence was that only 75 (36%) of studies included a control group. CONCLUSIONS WEMWBS has been widely used to assess wellbeing across a diverse range of interventions, settings and samples. Despite substantial heterogeneity in individual intervention design, delivery and groups targeted, results indicate that a broad range of intervention types can successfully improve wellbeing. Methodological changes, such as greater use of control groups in intervention evaluation, can help future researchers and policy makers further understand what works for mental wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M. Blodgett
- Kohlrabi Consulting, Manchester SK4 3HJ, UK
- Institute of Sport Exercise & Health, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London W1T 7HA, UK
| | - Jack M. Birch
- Kohlrabi Consulting, Manchester SK4 3HJ, UK
- Homerton College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 8PH, UK
| | | | | | - Aradhna Kaushal
- Kohlrabi Consulting, Manchester SK4 3HJ, UK
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK
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Joanna Y, Rachel L, Alice S, Georgia M, Fehmidah M. Meta-synthesis of qualitative research on the barriers and facilitators to implementing workplace mental health interventions. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Prentice S, Benson J, Dorstyn D, Elliott T. Promoting Wellbeing among Family Medicine Trainees: A Hermeneutic Review of Intervention Mechanisms of Change and their Delivery Methods. TEACHING AND LEARNING IN MEDICINE 2022:1-12. [PMID: 35465799 DOI: 10.1080/10401334.2022.2048833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PHENOMENON Efforts to promote wellbeing and reduce burnout amongst postgraduate medical trainees have been hampered by little consideration of interventions' underlying mechanisms, as well as how interventions are delivered. The critical role of trainee specialty has also been overlooked, despite the unique personal and work-based stressors faced among subgroups - such as those completing Family Medicine/General Practice. A consolidation of intervention research can help to guide the design, implementation and evaluation of future targeted programs and potentially enhance their effectiveness. The present hermeneutic literature review addresses this gap. APPROACH The Embase, Ovid Medline, and Ovid PsycINFO databases were searched for articles exploring wellbeing and related concepts of burnout and stress amongst Family Medicine/General Practice trainees. Thirty-one studies were identified through seven iterative rounds, with articles that offered novel insights and/or addressed knowledge gaps identified in each round and analyzed, followed by refinement of the overarching coding structure. Thematic analysis was conducted by two researchers. FINDINGS Proposed and enacted wellbeing interventions typically involved a combination of individualistic (e.g., self-awareness), organizational (e.g., increasing policy flexibility), and cultural (e.g., leadership) strategies. Change mechanisms were interpersonal (e.g., comradery) and, to a greater extent, intrapersonal (e.g., normalizing and accepting feelings of insecurity). Key delivery methods included the need to ingrain trainee wellness into daily work life and the importance of contextualizing interventions to increase their relevance, acceptance, and effectiveness. INSIGHTS The present review identifies and consolidates key mechanisms of change intrinsic to wellbeing-promotion interventions, alongside delivery methods. These findings provide guidance for practice and research to identify these attributes of interventions in the design and evaluation stages. This, in turn, will enhance the clarity of what is being evaluated, facilitating more informed comparisons between evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Prentice
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jill Benson
- School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- GPEx Ltd, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Diana Dorstyn
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Bennion MR, Baker F, Burrell J. An Unguided Web-Based Resilience Training Programme for NHS Keyworkers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Usability Study. JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022; 7:125-129. [PMID: 35317264 PMCID: PMC8929715 DOI: 10.1007/s41347-021-00225-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Bennion
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Joanna Burrell
- Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Ultimate Resilience Ltd, Nottingham, UK
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Kiesewetter J, Huber J. A primer of an in-depth resilience status for German medical graduates: results of a cross-sectional survey on the status quo of resilience among graduates of human medicine in Bavaria, Germany - a necessary step in building an emotionally equipped healthcare work-force. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:573. [PMID: 34772423 PMCID: PMC8588593 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02933-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resilience is a widely-used catchword in the last couple of years to describe the resistance to psychological strains of life, especially for the healthcare work-force. The promises of resilience to burnout sound great and what we all would want: less health impairment despite stress, higher work satisfaction and last but not least higher work performance. There is research that shows that students and physicians have high emotional distress and low resilience, yet comparably little is known which aspects of resilience are exactly impaired in the upcoming work-force. With our study we investigated the in-depth resilience status of medical graduates from five medical schools within their first year after graduation. In this, additionally to assessing the resilience status as a whole we investigate the answers on the singular items and the relationship of the resilience status with neighboring constructs. METHODS In 2018, 1610 human medical graduates from five Bavarian medical schools were asked to take part at cross-sectional Bavarian graduate survey (Bayerische Absolventenstudie Medizin, MediBAS). The response rate was 38,07, 60% of the participants were female. For the identification of the in-depth resilience status we included the 5-point Likert 10-Item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, German Version in a graduate survey posted to 5 medical schools and over 1610 eligible participants of whom 610 (60% female) filled out at least parts of the survey. To identify relationships to other aspects we posed further questionnaires. RESULTS The resilience status showed a mean resilience score of M = 37.1 (SD = 6.30). The score ranges from 3.22 (I am not easily discouraged by failure) to 4.26 (I am able to adapt to change). One third of the participants chose not to answer the item "I am able to handle unpleasant feeling". Relationships to job satisfaction, scientific competence and stress are presented in the article. CONCLUSIONS The study shows that the overall resilience status of medical graduates one year after their graduation is rather high, but subjectively they do not feel equivalently resilient for the different aspects they face in their job. Especially, how to handle their emotions seems to be challenging for some of the young physicians. In the article we sketch ideas how to handle the specific training needs the study has identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kiesewetter
- Institut für Didaktik und Ausbildungsforschung in der Medizin am Klinikum der LMU München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - J Huber
- Institut für Didaktik und Ausbildungsforschung in der Medizin am Klinikum der LMU München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336, Munich, Germany
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Villarreal M, Hanson P, Clarke A, Khan M, Dale J. Feasibility, acceptability and effect of the Mindful Practice curriculum in postgraduate training of general practitioners. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:327. [PMID: 34098921 PMCID: PMC8186227 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02747-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early career general practitioners are known to be at high risk of burnout. There is a need for widely applicable, cost-effective evidence-based interventions to develop trainees' protective skills and strategies. RESULTS Of 120 eligible trainees, 23 (19.2%) expressed interest in participating, 17 subsequently started the course, and 15 completed at least 5 out of its 6 sessions. All psychological measures were stable for the six-week period prior to commencing the course. Following the course, there were statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvements in wellbeing, resilience, mindfulness, emotional exhaustion, disengagement, and stress scores. Participants described numerous benefits, and most stated that they would recommend it to colleagues. CONCLUSION Including mindful practice within general practice vocational training is feasible, and in this study it benefited the psychological wellbeing of participants. Further research is needed to explore ways of increasing uptake and course completion, the sustainability of its effects, and the wider applicability of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Villarreal
- The Unit of Academic Primary Care, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Petra Hanson
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Amy Clarke
- School of Pharmacy, Centre for Behavioural Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Majid Khan
- The Unit of Academic Primary Care, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Jeremy Dale
- The Unit of Academic Primary Care, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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