A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program for Anesthesiology Residents Evaluated with Biophysical Markers of Stress and Validated Burnout Assessments

Abstract Background: Burnout has negative psychological and physical consequences for physicians in training. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has a promising track record for improving well-being. This study aims to demonstrate biophysical and psychological benefit from the incorporation of MBSR into the curriculum of an urban anesthesiology residency program.Methods: This prospective cohort study compared the effect of a voluntary 18-month (January 2018 – June 2019) biweekly MBSR course to an active control (availability of virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) curriculum and app-based mindfulness tools). Biometric data (e.g., sleep quantity and quality, physical activity and heart rate variability) from wearable devices; hair cortisol levels, and Maslach Burnout Inventory scores were compared between and within cohorts. Results: Data collection was discontinued at the end of the first year of the study due to poor utilization of the in person MBSR and virtual/ app-based trainings. Of 76 eligible anesthesiology trainees, 38 participated (50% of total eligible). Depersonalization scores were significantly lower in the MSBR group. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores were significantly higher for clinical anesthesia (CA) CA-2 (post-graduate year (PGY)-3) than CA-1 (PGY-2) residents. There were no significant differences between cohorts for biophysical outcomes. Conclusions: The implementation of an in-person MBSR curriculum for anesthesiology residents in an urban setting suffered from low utilization. Depersonalization scores were significantly lower in the MBSR compared to the active control group. Perioperative training programs may find more utility in wellness initiatives that are not reliant on inflexibly scheduled courses that require additional time commitment on the part of trainees.