A tailored mindfulness-based program for resident physicians: A qualitative study

Vanessa M Aeschbach; Johannes C Fendel; Stefan Schmidt; Anja S Göritz

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101333

A tailored mindfulness-based program for resident physicians: A qualitative study

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021 May:43:101333. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101333. Epub 2021 Feb 9.

Authors

Vanessa M Aeschbach¹, Johannes C Fendel², Stefan Schmidt³, Anja S Göritz²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstraße 8, 79104, Freiburg, Germany; Department of Occupational and Consumer Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Engelbergerstraße 41, 79106, Freiburg, Germany. Electronic address: vanessa.aeschbach@uniklinik-freiburg.de.
² Department of Occupational and Consumer Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Engelbergerstraße 41, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
³ Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstraße 8, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.

PMID: 33601285
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101333

Abstract

Background: Diminished well-being is prevalent in resident physicians. This qualitative study explored the effects of a tailored mindfulness-based program (MBP) aimed at increasing resident physicians' well-being. A second goal was to compare the MBP with an active control group.

Materials and methods: We conducted interviews with 35 resident physicians: 21 physicians attended an eight-week MBP (intervention group) and 14 physicians received text-based information about mindfulness for self-study (control group). The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Participants in the intervention group reported that the MBP helped them integrate mindfulness into their everyday life, increased their self-awareness, equanimity and well-being, and had positive effects on their self-care and interactions with patients. In the control group, the perceived effects were minor.

Conclusion: A tailored mindfulness-based program can help resident physicians care for their own well-being during medical residency and can have positive effects on their interactions with patients.

Keywords: Mindfulness; Qualitative study; Resident physician; Well-being.

MeSH terms

Humans
Mindfulness*
Physicians*
Qualitative Research
Self Care