Mindfulness for Work Performance

Overseen By Nikki Sood, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University

Disqualifiers: Counseling roles

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether a short mindfulness video can help doctors feel more focused, less anxious, and perform better during surgeries. Participants will either watch a mindfulness video or join a control group that does not watch the video. The trial targets doctors or medical trainees working in hospital operating rooms. Surgeons or medical trainees performing surgeries, but not involved in counseling, may be suitable candidates for this study. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods to enhance surgical performance and well-being.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that mindfulness interventions are safe for improving work performance?

Research shows that mindfulness practices are generally safe for most people. These techniques have been studied for their effects on anxiety, depression, and stress, and are usually well-tolerated. For example, studies have found that mindfulness can improve mental health without causing harmful side effects.

A review of mindfulness-based practices reported no serious negative events, confirming their safety for managing stress and anxiety. Another study focused on reducing work-related stress found that mindfulness improved both physical and mental well-being, with no significant negative effects.

Overall, mindfulness practices are considered low-risk. They have been widely studied and used in many settings, suggesting they are a safe option for those interested in joining this type of trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using mindfulness for work performance because it takes a unique approach by focusing on mental well-being rather than relying on traditional performance-enhancing drugs or techniques. Unlike standard options like motivational workshops or productivity apps, mindfulness encourages individuals to develop self-awareness and stress management skills, which can lead to improved concentration and decision-making. This method has the potential to provide lasting benefits by empowering people to cultivate a healthier mindset, ultimately enhancing their performance and overall job satisfaction.

What evidence suggests that mindfulness might be an effective treatment for work performance?

Research shows that practicing mindfulness, which participants in this trial may receive, can help reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. Studies have found that mindfulness programs effectively improve mental health by lowering stress and anxiety levels. In workplaces, mindfulness activities have been linked to better focus and thinking skills. Evidence supports that mindfulness training helps people handle stress and improves overall well-being. These findings suggest that mindfulness could enhance focus and performance, especially in high-pressure environments like operating rooms. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Frances Casey, MD

Principal Investigator

Virginia Commonwealth University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for practicing physicians or medical trainees who work in a hospital and perform surgeries in an operating room. It's not open to healthcare practitioners who are involved in counseling roles.

Inclusion Criteria

Practicing physicians or medical trainees

Employed in a hospital setting

My surgery will be in an operating room.

Exclusion Criteria

Practitioners involved in counseling roles

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Intervention

Participants watch a short mindfulness video before performing procedures in the OR

Single session

1 visit (in-person)

Assessment

Participants complete surveys assessing perceived flow and mindfulness application after the procedure

Up to 5 hours

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any additional feedback or long-term effects of the mindfulness intervention

2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Mindfulness
• Video

Trial Overview The study tests the impact of watching a short mindfulness video on doctors' focus, anxiety, and self-assessed performance during surgery using surveys based on modified flow state and mindfulness scales.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Mindfulness Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Control Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Mindfulness is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Mindfulness-Based Interventions for:

• Substance Abuse Treatment
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression

Approved in European Union as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for:

• Stress Management
• Anxiety Disorders
• Chronic Pain

Approved in Canada as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for:

• Depression
• Anxiety Disorders
• Substance Abuse Treatment

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Virginia Commonwealth University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

732

Recruited

22,900,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) significantly reduces the rate of depression relapse by 40% in patients with three or more previous episodes of depression, based on a systematic review of 11 studies.

The evidence suggests that MBCT is effective for treating mental disorders, particularly in preventing relapse, although the overall methodological quality of the studies was moderate.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on mental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Galante, J., Iribarren, SJ., Pearce, PF.[2020]

Mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression in adult cancer patients and survivors, with moderate effect sizes observed in both nonrandomized studies (0.60 for anxiety, 0.42 for depression) and randomized controlled trials (0.37 for anxiety, 0.44 for depression).

The systematic review included 22 studies with a total of 1,403 participants, indicating that while the quality of studies varied, there is promising evidence from higher-quality randomized controlled trials supporting the efficacy of MBT in improving mental health outcomes for cancer patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on symptoms of anxiety and depression in adult cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Piet, J., Würtzen, H., Zachariae, R.[2022]

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are effective in reducing symptom severity in major depressive disorder and lowering relapse rates during maintenance treatment, based on a review of 52 studies.

MBIs, particularly mindfulness-based stress reduction, have shown effectiveness in improving symptoms and quality of life in veterans with PTSD, and they are considered safe and cost-effective adjuncts to standard care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Emerging Role of Mindfulness Meditation as Effective Self-Management Strategy, Part 1: Clinical Implications for Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Anxiety. Khusid, MA., Vythilingam, M.[2018]

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has been shown to improve mental health in 11 studies compared to waitlist controls or treatment as usual, demonstrating its efficacy as a therapeutic intervention.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) effectively reduces the risk of depressive relapse, showing similar efficacy to treatment as usual in two studies, indicating its potential as a preventive measure for depression.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Fjorback, LO., Arendt, M., Ornbøl, E., et al.[2022]

The Integral Meditation program, implemented over 12 weeks with 42 employees, significantly improved mindfulness and psychological wellbeing, as evidenced by increased scores in emotional awareness, self-regulation, and reduced perceived stress.

Participants in the mindfulness-based intervention showed notable enhancements in self-compassion and reduced feelings of isolation, indicating that such programs can effectively support mental health in workplace settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness meditation training in an occupational setting: Effects of a 12-weeks mindfulness-based intervention on wellbeing. Fazia, T., Bubbico, F., Berzuini, G., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 144 patients with bipolar disorder undergoing Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), adverse effects (AEs) were reported by 29 patients, with most occurring within the first three weeks and decreasing thereafter.

Despite the occurrence of AEs, most patients viewed them as part of a therapeutic process rather than harmful, indicating that while AEs are present, they are generally not serious and can be perceived positively in the context of treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse or therapeutic? A mixed-methods study investigating adverse effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in bipolar disorder. Hanssen, I., Scheepbouwer, V., Huijbers, M., et al.[2021]

Both group face-to-face mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and individual internet-based mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (eMBCT) led to long-term reductions in psychological distress and increases in mental health-related quality of life over a nine-month follow-up period for 245 distressed cancer patients.

Patients who participated in eMBCT reported lower psychological distress compared to those in MBCT, particularly benefiting those with lower baseline mindfulness and conscientiousness, suggesting that eMBCT may be a more effective option for certain individuals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Consolidation and prediction of long-term treatment effect of group and online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for distressed cancer patients. Cillessen, L., Schellekens, MPJ., Van de Ven, MOM., et al.[2019]

Mindfulness-based therapies, particularly Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), have been shown to effectively improve psychological health, manage pain, and reduce anxiety symptoms.

MBCT is specifically recommended as an additional treatment for unipolar depression, highlighting its role in supporting mental health alongside traditional therapies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness meditation practices as adjunctive treatments for psychiatric disorders. Marchand, WR.[2022]

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is highly valued by participants, with many describing it as 'life changing,' but about one-third of graduates still experience depression relapse within a year after completing the course.

Participants expressed a strong desire for additional support after MBCT, suggesting that a maintenance program could help them sustain mindfulness practices and reduce the risk of relapse.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Preventing Depression Relapse: A Qualitative Study on the Need for Additional Structured Support Following Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. Siwik, CJ., Adler, SR., Moran, PJ., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 144 middle-level managers, an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program significantly reduced perceived work-related stress, negative affect, and sickness absence compared to a control group.

MBSR also improved self-esteem and positive affect among participants, indicating its effectiveness in enhancing psychological resilience in stressful work environments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for managers: a randomized controlled study. Żołnierczyk-Zreda, D., Sanderson, M., Bedyńska, S.[2020]

Trainee clinical psychologists who participated in a modified Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program showed significant improvements, including decreased rumination and increased self-compassion and mindfulness, based on pre- and post-questionnaires from 20 participants.

The study found that more frequent home practice of mindfulness techniques led to greater reductions in stress and anxiety, and 85% of participants reported that the MBCT experience positively impacted their clinical work, enhancing their understanding of clients and themselves.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pilot study of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for trainee clinical psychologists. Rimes, KA., Wingrove, J.[2019]

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) significantly reduces the risk of relapse or recurrence of major depressive disorder (MDD) by 34%, based on a meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials involving 593 participants.

For patients with three or more previous episodes of MDD, MBCT offers a 43% reduction in relapse risk and is at least as effective as maintenance antidepressant medication, highlighting its potential as a valuable treatment option.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for prevention of relapse in recurrent major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Piet, J., Hougaard, E.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7511255/

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction ... The reviewed literature suggested that MBSR was effective in reducing HCPs experiences of anxiety, depression and stress.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8083197/

Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review - PMC MBIs are effective for improving many biopsychosocial conditions, including depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, addiction, psychosis, pain, hypertension, ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167268123003888

Mindfulness training, cognitive performance and stress ... We tested whether a mindfulness and positive-psychology intervention, conducted with employees at their workplaces, improves outcomes for both psychological ...

4. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/5/1703

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice Results: Evidence from the studies highlights the effectiveness of MBCT in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. MBCT was also shown to enhance ...

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1347336/full

Exploring the sustained impact of the Mindfulness-Based ... Results: The findings revealed that the effectiveness of the MBSR program varied at different times and across different variables. Immediately ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5679245/

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Anxiety and Depression This article reviews the ways in which cognitive and behavioral treatments for depression and anxiety have been advanced by the application of mindfulness ...

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07082491

Mindfulness for Reducing Work-Related Stress The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in improving physical and psychological well-being ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2093791123000422

Mindfulness-based Practices in Workers to Address Mental ... This systematic review did not find evidence that mindfulness-based practices provide a durable and substantial improvement of mental health outcomes.

9. researchprotocols.org researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e67695

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Life (MBCT-L ... This trial aims to assess the effectiveness of the increasingly implemented Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Life (MBCT-L) intervention versus a ...