Mindfulness Training for Young Neurosurgeons: A Virtual Multicenter Prospective Pilot Study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of a virtual mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in reducing burnout and improving performance among neurosurgeons.
Results Summary
The study found significant improvements in perceived stress, emotional exhaustion, mindfulness skills, self-compassion, resilience, and choice response times. All participants who completed the post-intervention assessment recommended the course and found it relevant to their surgical practice.
Population
Practicing neurosurgeons (attendings, residents, interns) from 9 neurosurgical centers, mean age 30.3 years.
Effective Dosage
8 weeks of 90-minute MBI classes with suggested daily practice.
Duration
8 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
virtual mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | decrease | perceived stress | neurosurgeons | Z = -2.54, P = 0.04 | Significant improvements after intervention were present | #1 |
virtual mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | decrease | emotional exhaustion | neurosurgeons | Z = -2.41, P = 0.04 | Significant improvements after intervention were present | #2 |
Mindfulness training | increase | mindfulness skills | neurosurgeons | Z = -2.58, P = 0.006 | was associated with improved | #3 |
Mindfulness training | increase | self-compassion | neurosurgeons | t = -4.4, P = 0.002 | was associated with improved | #4 |
Mindfulness training | increase | resilience | neurosurgeons | Z = -3.18, P = 0.004 | was associated with improved | #5 |
Mindfulness training | decrease | choice response times | neurosurgeons | Z = -2.13, P = 0.03 | was associated with improved | #6 |
virtual mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | increase | dealing with stress, burnout, and improving dexterity | young neurosurgeons | - | cautiously supports the effectiveness and feasibility of | #7 |
OBJECTIVE: Burnout is prevalent among neurosurgeons and can negatively impact both technical and nontechnical skills and subsequent patient care. Mindfulness training has previously been shown to ameliorate the effects of burnout and improve performance in health care workers and high-stress occupations, but no such evaluation has been formally conducted for neurosurgeons. We aimed to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of a virtual mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in neurosurgeons. METHODS: A prospective trial of an MBI was implemented and hosted from our tertiary academic unit, running virtually from October to December 2020. Practicing neurosurgeons of all grades were recruited from 9 neurosurgical centers. Participants underwent 8 weeks of 90-minute MBI classes and suggested daily practice. Psychometric measures related to burnout, stress, wellbeing, and mindfulness competencies were assessed at baseline and on course completion. RESULTS: Twenty-one neurosurgeons participated in the study (attendings = 2, residents = 18, interns = 1, mean age = 30.3 [standard deviation 3.9] years). Significant improvements after intervention were present in perceived stress (Z = -2.54, P = 0.04) and emotional exhaustion (Z = -2.41, P = 0.04). Mindfulness training was associated with improved mindfulness skills (Z = -2.58, P = 0.006), self-compassion (t = -4.4, P = 0.002), resilience (Z = -3.18, P = 0.004), and choice response times (Z = -2.13, P = 0.03). All neurosurgeons who completed the postintervention assessment stated they would recommend the course and agreed that it was relevant to their surgical practice. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence from this trial cautiously supports the effectiveness and feasibility of a virtual MBI for dealing with stress, burnout, and improving dexterity among young neurosurgeons. Further research is warranted to validate these findings.