The effects of mindfulness-based interventions in medical students: a systematic review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to collate quantitative results of studies analyzing the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on various outcomes in medical students and assess how study design and intervention characteristics influenced results.
Results Summary
The meta-analysis showed statistically significant reductions in stress and distress symptoms and increased mindfulness in intervention groups compared to controls, with effects persisting over months or years. Both long and short courses, as well as face-to-face and non-face-to-face sessions, were effective.
Population
Medical students
Effective Dosage
4- to 10-week courses (original Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy or modifications)
Duration
Varied (4-10 weeks, with follow-ups over months or years)
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based interventions | decrease | symptoms of stress and distress | medical students | - | statistically significantly fewer | #1 |
mindfulness-based interventions | increase | mindfulness | medical students | - | higher | #2 |
mindfulness-based interventions | no change | beneficial effects | medical students | over months or years | persisted | #3 |
long and shorter courses | neutral | - | medical students | - | were effective | #4 |
courses with and without face-to-face sessions | neutral | - | medical students | - | were effective | #5 |
mindfulness-based interventions | increase | medical students' well-being | medical students | - | seem to offer a good possibility to enhance | #6 |
The number of studies on the effects of mindfulness on healthcare professionals is increasing. The main aim of this study was to collate the quantitative results of original studies analyzing the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on a variety of outcomes in medical students. We also analyzed how the study design and characteristics of the intervention affect the results, and identified qualitative effects of mindfulness interventions. A literature search was performed in different databases in June 2020. Original articles meeting the following criteria were included: (1) at least 50% of the participants were medical students, (2) included a mindfulness intervention, (3) analyzed any outcome relating to mindfulness intervention, (4) peer-reviewed (5) written in English. Eventually, 31 articles including 24 different samples were included. Over half of the studies were RCTs. In over half of the studies, the intervention was 4- to 10-week original Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy or a modification of these. In general, satisfaction with the interventions was good. Based on a meta-analysis, after the intervention, the intervention group had statistically significantly fewer symptoms of stress and distress and had higher mindfulness than the controls. The beneficial effects persisted in follow-ups over months or years. Both long and shorter courses and courses with and without face-to-face sessions were effective. Both controlled and uncontrolled studies had statistically significant results. Qualitative results revealed potential factors behind the quantitative effects. The number of studies on mindfulness interventions in medical students has increased drastically. Mindfulness-based interventions seem to offer a good possibility to enhance medical students' well-being.