Effect of Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Psychological Outcomes in Surgeons: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of five studies with 179 surgical residents found that mindfulness-based interventions reduced stress, improved mindfulness, and lowered burnout, depersonalization, and emotional exhaustion. The interventions did not affect depression or anxiety. The evidence for improved mindfulness was rated as high certainty, while reductions in stress and burnout were of moderate certainty. The authors suggest that mindfulness training may benefit surgeons' psychological well-being, but whether these improvements translate into better surgical performance or patient outcomes requires further research.

Study at a glance

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on psychological outcomes in surgeons. 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]). 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). 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. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024595967.