Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Burnout

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

Disqualifiers: Not working at UHN

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

44 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment MBI therapy for burnout?

Research shows that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can help reduce burnout and stress in healthcare professionals, improving their emotional well-being and professional development. Studies found that MBIs significantly decreased emotional exhaustion and stress, while increasing personal accomplishment and mindfulness skills. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) safe for humans?

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and similar mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been shown to be generally safe for humans, with studies reporting positive evaluations from participants and low dropout rates. These interventions have been used in various groups, including healthcare professionals and medical residents, without significant safety concerns. ^{1 2 4 5 6}

How does Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) treatment differ from other treatments for burnout?

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is unique because it focuses on enhancing mindfulness (awareness and presence in the moment) to reduce stress and burnout, rather than using medication or traditional therapy. It involves practices like meditation and yoga, which can improve mental health variables such as emotional exhaustion, stress levels, and quality of sleep, making it a holistic approach compared to other treatments. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The aims of this study are to assess whether the use of a MBI therapy delivered remotely is associated with a reduction of perceived stress among HCPs in the Radiation Medicine Program (RMP) and with a decrease risk of burnout during and post COVID-19.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthcare professionals over 18 working in the Radiation Medicine Program at UHN, including therapists, nurses, physicians, residents, physician assistants, and admin assistants. It's not open to those outside this program.

Inclusion Criteria

Employee in the radiation medicine program in UHN

I am over 18 years old.

Health Care Professional (Therapist, Nurse, Physician, Resident, Physician assistant, Physician admin assistant)

Exclusion Criteria

Not working at the radiation medicine program at UHN

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Mindfulness-Based Intervention

Participants engage in a remotely delivered mindfulness-based intervention using Microsoft Teams, consisting of weekly 1-hour sessions over a 4-week period

4 weeks

4 virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for stress and burnout levels post-intervention

6 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• MBI therapy

Trial Overview The study tests if mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) therapy given remotely can reduce stress and burnout among healthcare workers during and after COVID-19.

Participant Groups

Group I: Mindfulness Based Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

A remotely delivered closed group mindfulness-based intervention using Microsoft Teams Meeting will be performed, consisting of 12-16 participants (Maximum 10 groups) and one professional with a background in mindfulness coaching . Three professionals will be coaching 2-3 groups each. The curriculum entails weekly sessions (1 hour) over a 4-week period.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University Health Network, Toronto

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,555

Recruited

526,000+

Findings from Research

A brief mindfulness-based intervention (bMBI) consisting of four sessions over six hours effectively reduced self-reported stress, burnout, and depression among teachers, highlighting its potential as a practical solution for teacher well-being.

The study suggests that shorter, less intensive mindfulness interventions can be just as effective, if not more so, than longer programs, paving the way for more cost-effective and accessible mental health strategies in educational settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Brief Mindfulness-Based Intervention (bMBI) to Reduce Teacher Stress and Burnout. Taylor, SG., Roberts, AM., Zarrett, N.[2022]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness-Based Interventions to Reduce Burnout and Stress in Physicians: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [2023]

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training on Healthcare Professionals' Mental Health: Results from a Pilot Study Testing Its Predictive Validity in a Specialized Hospital Setting. [2021]

3. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness-Based Interventions to Reduce Burnout in Primary Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [2021]

4. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Mindfulness for medical, surgical and psychiatric residents]. [2019]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and Feasibility of the Minimal Therapist-Guided Four-Week Online Audio-Based Mindfulness Program 'Mindful Senses' for Burnout and Stress Reduction in Medical Personnel: A Randomized Controlled Trial. [2022]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Brief Mindfulness-Based Intervention (bMBI) to Reduce Teacher Stress and Burnout. [2022]

7. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementing Mindfulness in General Life and Organizations. Validation of the Time Flow Mindfulness Questionnaire for Effective Health Management. [2023]