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3.7.14

A RCT proving an intervention to promote physician-health is effective? I'll take two.

JAMA published a great RCT a few weeks ago that just rose to the top of my to-read list.  RCT's in physician health are few and far between, and the Mayo clinic designed and implemented a very interesting study.

The intervention saw 19 biweekly facilitated physician discussion groups that reflected on elements of mindfulness, reflection, shared experience and small group learning for 9 months.  The institution helped - significantly - by providing 1 hour of paid protected time for the participants.

And what did everyone get for their 19 hours of investment?


  • empowerment and work engagement increased (p=.04)
  • improvement was sustained at 12 months (p=.03)
  • work felt more meaningful (p=.04)
  • rates of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and burnout decreased significantly (p=.03, .007, .002 respectively)
The fact that the intervention lasted at the one-year mark is particularly intriguing.  Hopefully, West et al., will follow this cohort long term.  He has also done research on rates of burnout amongst physicians in practice and those in training that set the stage for this useful RCT.

5 comments :

  1. Dr. Uniac12 July 2014 at 12:01

    The trick will be finding a meaningful way to implement these groups in rural and remote Canada. Telemedicine type groups would theoretically work, but make the participants feel particularly vulnerable.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown12 July 2014 at 17:12

    Agreed - makes me think of the experience of Balint groups run online, on the phone, in-person, or when rural physicians are at CME events or activities...what do you think would help increase the feeling of safety and comfort?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dr. Uniac16 July 2014 at 08:13

      I've been thinking about that, trying to find a feasible way to keep in contact with the colleagues I already know. Given our spread across the country, it's next to impossible. Both because of the lack of a tech highway ready to use specifically for this, and the perceived lack of time. I find that even getting time to connect one on one by phone is tricky.

      Maybe starting a group at a conference of like minded folks and moving ahead from there would be the best way to kick it off. It would require strong mentors to join as well since the group would likely attract those who most need the outlet and may not be at their strongest.

      Delete
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