Self-Compassion Training for Medical Students

Overseen By Claire Zhang, BSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Robert Simpson

Disqualifiers: Mindfulness course past 12 months

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6 weeks

45 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this clinical trial is to develop and investigate a compassion-based intervention (Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities (SCHC) course) in medical students. The main objectives are: 1. Explore the feasibility of trial processes including recruitment, adherence, retention, and follow-up 2. Explore the experiences of medical students with the Compassion-based intervention, including perceived effects, barriers and facilitators to participation, suggestions for improvement 3. Determine potential effects on burnout, compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, self-compassion, compassion for others, empathy, mindfulness, perceived stress, and emotional regulation. Participants will be asked to take part in a 6-week online Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities course and report changes in levels of burnout, compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, self-compassion, compassion for others, empathy, mindfulness, perceived stress, and emotional regulation from pre- to post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Additionally, participants will be asked to take part in a semi-structured interview to explore their experiences with the course, perceived effects, and suggestions for improvement.

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

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems unlikely, as the study focuses on a self-compassion course rather than a medical treatment.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities course for medical students?

Research suggests that self-compassion can help medical students handle stress and challenges better, as it reduces negative self-criticism and feelings of isolation. Additionally, training in compassion-focused therapy has been shown to increase self-compassion and reduce self-criticism among healthcare providers, indicating potential benefits for medical students as well. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is self-compassion training safe for medical students?

The research does not provide specific safety data for self-compassion training, but it is generally considered a mental health practice aimed at reducing stress and improving well-being, which suggests it is likely safe for medical students. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

How does the Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities course differ from other treatments for medical students?

The Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities course is unique because it focuses on developing self-compassion (being kind to oneself) and mindfulness (being present and aware) among medical students, which can help reduce stress and burnout. Unlike traditional treatments that may focus on skill-based learning, this course emphasizes personal growth and emotional well-being, aiming to improve students' ability to care for themselves and their patients. ^{1 7 10 11 12}

Research Team

Robert Simpson, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Toronto

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for medical students who wish to participate in a study exploring the effects of an online self-compassion course. The course aims to help with burnout, stress, and emotional regulation. Participants need to commit to a 6-week program and provide feedback through interviews.

Inclusion Criteria

I am willing to participate in the SCHC course for 6 weeks.

I am over 18 years old.

Able to speak, read, and write in English

Exclusion Criteria

I have completed a mindfulness or self-compassion course in the last year.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants take part in a 6-week online Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities course

6 weeks

Online course participation

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in burnout, compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, self-compassion, compassion for others, empathy, mindfulness, perceived stress, and emotional regulation

3 months

Post-intervention assessments

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities course

Trial Overview The intervention being tested is a 6-week Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities course designed for medical students. The study will measure its impact on various factors like burnout, empathy, and mindfulness before, after completing the course, and at a follow-up three months later.

Participant Groups

Group I: Self-compassion intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

6-week manualized online Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities course

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Robert Simpson

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3

Recruited

210+

Findings from Research

A 3-day workshop on compassion-focused therapy for 28 health care providers led to a significant increase in self-compassion and a decrease in self-critical judgment, indicating the effectiveness of such training.

While the training improved self-compassion, it did not significantly reduce self-persecution or self-correction, suggesting that further exploration is needed to address these aspects of self-criticism.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Does Compassion-Focused Therapy Training for Health Care Educators and Providers Increase Self-Compassion and Reduce Self-Persecution and Self-Criticism? Beaumont, E., Irons, C., Rayner, G., et al.[2018]

The 'Buddy Study' program, which includes a seminar and peer support for healthcare professionals after adverse events, received positive feedback from participants, with 91.6% satisfied with the seminar content and 69.1% feeling it helped them manage their emotional responses.

The program fostered a compassionate culture and attentiveness to colleagues' wellbeing, although it highlighted the need for ongoing support and visibility to maintain its effectiveness, suggesting that while valuable, peer support should complement other forms of support rather than replace them.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of'the Buddy Study', a peer support program for second victims in healthcare: a survey in two Danish hospital departments. Schrøder, K., Bovil, T., Jørgensen, JS., et al.[2022]

Patients prefer complete and transparent disclosure of medical errors, including details about the incident, its causes, and sincere apologies, regardless of their background.

Healthcare professionals often struggle to disclose adverse events due to fear of legal repercussions and lack of support, which can lead to emotional distress and increased risk of mental health issues, highlighting the need for better communication and support systems in healthcare organizations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[In the aftermath of medical error: caring for patients, family, and the healthcare workers involved]. Schwappach, DL.[2016]

The establishment of a Peer Support Service at Brigham and Women's Hospital provides healthcare professionals with a safe space to discuss the emotional impact of adverse medical events, promoting open communication and compassion in the workplace.

This initiative highlights the importance of addressing the emotional well-being of care providers as a critical component of patient safety and quality of care, recognizing that support services can enhance the overall healthcare environment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer support: healthcare professionals supporting each other after adverse medical events. van Pelt, F.[2021]

References

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

The Influence of Students' Perceptions of Learning Environment on Coping with Academic Challenges: A Structural Equation Modeling Study. [2020]

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

Measuring Self-Compassion in Medical Students: Factorial Validation of the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF). [2020]

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

Compassion and Self-Compassion: Counterfactors of Burnout in Medical Students and Physicians. [2022]

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

Does Compassion-Focused Therapy Training for Health Care Educators and Providers Increase Self-Compassion and Reduce Self-Persecution and Self-Criticism? [2018]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Teaching the art of doctoring: an innovative medical student elective. [2022]

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

Evaluation of'the Buddy Study', a peer support program for second victims in healthcare: a survey in two Danish hospital departments. [2022]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Self-compassion in medical students: a pilot study of its association with professionalism pressure. [2021]

8. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[In the aftermath of medical error: caring for patients, family, and the healthcare workers involved]. [2016]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer support: healthcare professionals supporting each other after adverse medical events. [2021]

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

Integrating Compassion and Theoretical Premises of Caring Science into Undergraduate Health Professions Education. [2023]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Compassion cultivation training promotes medical student wellness and enhanced clinical care. [2020]

12. Korea (South) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of the online Mindful Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities program for surgical trainees: a prospective pilot study. [2023]