Brief Video-Module Administered Mindfulness Program for Physicians: A Pilot Study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a video-module-based mindfulness program on reducing stress, improving well-being, and developing mindfulness skills in physicians.
Results Summary
The study found statistically significant decreases in stress, emotional exhaustion, and increases in mindfulness skills post-intervention, with some effects persisting eight weeks later.
Population
Physicians in a suburban community hospital.
Effective Dosage
Three 90-minute in-person trainings, weekly online video-module trainings, and weekly teleconference coaching calls.
Duration
Eight weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
video-module-based mindfulness pilot program | decrease | stress | physicians in a community hospital setting | statistically significant decreases | decrease | #1 |
video-module-based mindfulness pilot program | increase | well-being | physicians in a community hospital setting | - | increase | #2 |
video-module-based mindfulness pilot program | increase | mindfulness skills | physicians in a community hospital setting | - | develop | #3 |
eight-week mindfulness training | decrease | personal accomplishment | physicians | statistically significant decreases | decrease | #4 |
eight-week mindfulness training | decrease | emotional exhaustion | physicians | statistically significant decreases | decrease | #5 |
eight-week mindfulness training | increase | mindfulness skills (observing) | physicians | significant increases | increase | #6 |
eight-week mindfulness training | increase | mindfulness skills (describing) | physicians | significant increases | increase | #7 |
eight-week mindfulness training | increase | mindfulness skills (acting with awareness) | physicians | significant increases | increase | #8 |
eight-week mindfulness training | increase | mindfulness skills (accepting without judgment) | physicians | significant increases | increase | #9 |
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a video-module-based mindfulness pilot program intended to reduce stress, improve well-being, and develop mindfulness skills in physicians in a community hospital setting. Preliminary findings are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a single-sample, pre-post study design, we administered an eight-week mindfulness training offered as part of a wellness initiative for medical staff in a suburban community hospital. Participants enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants engaged in three 90-min in-person trainings, weekly online video-module trainings, and weekly teleconference coaching calls. Video-module trainings were available at all times, to be accessed at the participants׳ convenience. Journals and a guided meditation audio library were also provided. Physician stress, well-being (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization of patients, and sense of personal accomplishment), and mindfulness skills (observing, describing, acting with awareness, and accepting without judgment) were evaluated at baseline, end-of-program, and eight weeks post-intervention using well-validated instruments. RESULTS: A total of 23 physicians enrolled and 19 completed the program. Compared to baseline, statistically significant decreases in stress, personal accomplishment, and emotional exhaustion were observed at end-of-program and eight weeks post-intervention (all P < .05). Significant increases in all mindfulness skills were observed at end-of-program; these increases persisted for describing, acting with awareness, and accepting without judgment at eight weeks post-intervention (all P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence that a flexible, video-module-based mindfulness program can decrease stress, increase well-being, and develop lasting mindfulness skills in physicians.