Commensality Groups for Burnout
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines whether "commensality groups" can improve medical students' well-being during clinical rotations. These groups involve small gatherings where students share a meal and engage in structured conversations to foster connection and support. The trial will compare students who participate in these groups with those who do not. Medical students who have been on clinical rotations for at least four months and are currently studying at the Keck School of Medicine are suitable candidates for this trial. The aim is to determine if these groups can reduce burnout and increase well-being, as they have for practicing doctors. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for students to explore innovative ways to enhance their well-being and resilience during demanding clinical rotations.
What prior data suggests that Commensality groups are safe for medical students?
Research shows that group meals have helped reduce burnout among doctors. In one study, doctors who participated in these meals felt significantly less burned out. Another study found that radiologists also experienced reduced burnout after joining these groups. This suggests that sharing meals and having structured conversations is a well-received and beneficial way to improve well-being.
These studies reported no negative effects, indicating that group meals are a safe way to address burnout. This approach involves eating together and having guided discussions, which generally poses low risk. While these studies focused on doctors, researchers expect medical students to benefit similarly.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about commensality groups for burnout because this approach uses social interaction as a tool for recovery. Unlike traditional treatments for burnout, which often rely on medication or individual therapy, commensality groups leverage the power of communal dining to create a supportive environment where participants can share experiences and build connections. This social method aims to reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of belonging, which can be crucial for mental well-being. The trial also explores whether this group dynamic can offer a more sustainable and enjoyable way to alleviate burnout compared to standard treatments.
What evidence suggests that Commensality groups are effective for reducing burnout in medical students?
Research shows that eating together in groups can help reduce burnout among doctors. In one study, doctors who joined these groups felt less burned out, and the benefits lasted up to a year. Another study found that burnout rates dropped by nearly 6% at a medical group using these practices. Although one report found only a small connection between eating with others and feeling less burned out, the overall trend remains positive. This trial will compare participants attending commensality groups with those in a waitlist control group. These findings suggest that eating together might also help medical students, who face similar stress during their training.46789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Maria Juliani, PhD
Principal Investigator
Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
Chantal Sheridan, PhD
Principal Investigator
Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for medical students at the Keck School of Medicine who have been on clinical rotations for at least 4 months. It aims to help those experiencing burnout, social isolation, and lack of professional fulfillment.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants attend monthly Commensality groups for six months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for well-being and burnout reduction post-intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Commensality groups
Trial Overview
The study tests 'Commensality groups,' where small groups of students meet monthly with a resident leader for a meal and structured conversation. The goal is to see if this reduces burnout and improves well-being during clerkship years.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Active Control
Participants attend commensality groups
Participants receive no intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Southern California
Lead Sponsor
Citations
The Impact of a Commensality Intervention on Physician ...
Findings suggest significant improvements in physician burnout following the intervention, with attenuation at 12-months. Results will be used to support the ...
2.
researchgate.net
researchgate.net/publication/386337038_The_Impact_of_a_Commensality_Intervention_on_Physician_BurnoutThe Impact of a Commensality Intervention on Physician ...
Effective outcomes were reported in 29 studies, with significant ... Results Burnout prevalence data were extracted from 182 studies involving ...
3.
ama-assn.org
ama-assn.org/practice-management/physician-health/qa-fight-burnout-seeing-each-decision-through-well-being-lensQ&A: Fight burnout by seeing each decision through well- ...
From 2021 to 2022, the burnout rate fell nearly 6 percentage points at Washington Permanente Medical Group. By comparison, the national ...
COMMENSALITY'S INFLUENCE ON WORKPLACE WELL ...
The results suggest a weak negative correlation between eating with others and burnout, but the correlation is not statistically significant [r(119) = -.04, p = ...
Advancing Physician Well-Being
Develop communities of physicians through a state-wide commensality group program. Selective prevention for physicians at elevated risk for ...
The Impact of a Commensality Intervention on Physician Burnout
Findings suggest significant improvements in physician burnout following the intervention, with attenuation at 12-months. Results will be used to support the ...
Commensality Initiative: A Survey of Radiologists to ...
65%, p = 0.05). Among participants, burnout scores decreased significantly postintervention (p = 0.023), with directional improvements in career ...
8.
ama-assn.org
ama-assn.org/practice-management/physician-health/4-lessons-mayo-clinic-learned-group-meetings-cut-burnout4 lessons Mayo Clinic learned from group meetings to cut ...
“The goal of the COMPASS group meetings is to encourage collegiality, shared experience, connectedness, mutual support and meaning in work, ...
the development of a cognitive behavioral therapy intervention ...
Outcomes data from this time point indicated a 6.2-point improvement in total burnout scores. While this change did not reach the level of ...
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