Effect of Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Psychological Outcomes in Surgeons: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on psychological outcomes, specifically stress, mindfulness, burnout, and anxiety, in surgeons.
Results Summary
MBIs significantly reduced stress, improved mindfulness, and decreased burnout (including depersonalization and emotional exhaustion) but did not significantly affect depression or anxiety. The study had moderate to high certainty for these outcomes but noted the need for further research on long-term surgical performance and patient outcomes.
Population
179 surgical residents (98 in MBI group, 81 in control group) from five studies (4 RCTs, 1 cohort study).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | decrease | stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS-10) | surgical residents | MD: -3.24, 95% CI -6.10 to -0.39, and p = 0.030 | reduced | #1 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | mindfulness (Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised, CAMS-R) | surgical residents | MD: 3.97, 95% CI 2.57-5.37, and p < 0.00001 | improved | #2 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | decrease | burnout (abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory [aMBI]) | surgical residents | MD: -1.98, 95% CI -3.57 to -0.38, and p = 0.020 | reduced | #3 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | decrease | depersonalization | surgical residents | MD: -2.80, 95% CI -5.22 to -0.38, and p = 0.020 | reduced | #4 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | decrease | emotional exhaustion | surgical residents | MD: -3.20, 95% CI -5.48 to -0.92, and p = 0.0006 | reduced | #5 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | no change | depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 [PHQ-2]) | surgical residents | MD: -0.46, 95% CI -1.32 to -0.40, and p = 0.290 | did not influence | #6 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | no change | anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]) | surgical residents | MD: -0.16, 95% CI -2.62 to -2.30, and p = 0.900 | did not influence | #7 |
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on psychological outcomes in surgeons. METHODS: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis (random effects modeling) was performed searching for comparative studies. Primary outcomes were stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS-10) and mindfulness (Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised, CAMS-R). Secondary outcomes were burnout and anxiety (abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory [aMBI], Patient Health Questionnaire-2 [PHQ-2], and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]). RESULTS: Surgical residents numbering 179 (MBIs 98 vs. control 81) from five studies (4 RCTs and 1 cohort study) were included. At baseline, both cohorts were comparable in terms of stress (PSS-10, p = 0.420), mindfulness (CAMS-R, p = 0.620), burnout (aMBI, p = 0.980), depersonalization (p = 740), emotional exhaustion (p = 480), depression (PHQ-2, p = 0.280), and anxiety (STAI, p = 0.060). MBIs reduced stress (PSS-10; MD: -3.24, 95% CI -6.10 to -0.39, and p = 0.030), improved mindfulness (CAMS-R; MD: 3.97, 95% CI 2.57-5.37, and p < 0.00001), and reduced burnout (aMBI; MD: -1.98, 95% CI -3.57 to -0.38, and p = 0.020), depersonalization (MD: -2.80, 95% CI -5.22 to -0.38, and p = 0.020), and emotional exhaustion (MD: -3.20, 95% CI -5.48 to -0.92, and p = 0.0006). MBIs did not influence depression (PHQ-2; MD: -0.46, 95% CI -1.32 to -0.40, and p = 0.290) or anxiety (STAI; MD: -0.16, 95% CI -2.62 to -2.30, and p = 0.900). CONCLUSIONS: MBIs may improve psychological outcomes as shown by better mindfulness (high certainly), less stress (moderate certainty), and burnout (moderate certainty). Whether MBIs translate into better long-term surgical performance and patient outcomes should be the focus of future research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024595967.