A 12-week online wellness program combining yoga, breathwork, meditation, and nutrition was tested for feasibility with medical students at a Canadian medical school. Of 74 participants, 64 completed the program, and 21 met the goal of participating at least two days per week. Most participants (74.8%) found the program accessible and satisfying, though some reported adherence challenges. Exploratory analysis suggested reduced stress (11%), anxiety (14%), and improved mindfulness (5.6%). Qualitative interviews indicated participants experienced greater balance and mindfulness. The program appears feasible and potentially beneficial for medical student well-being.
A convenience sample of 52 medical students enrolled in an online mindfulness program. Of these, 45 completed at least one of seven modules, averaging 4.85 modules completed. Satisfaction with the modules averaged 7.07 out of 10, but adherence to regular formal meditation practice was poor, with an average of 34.14 minutes of practice per module. Self-compassion and the observe and describe facets of mindfulness significantly increased from baseline, while no changes were observed for burnout or empathy. The authors conclude the program may interest medical students but provided no evidence of effectiveness.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training for medical students is associated with increased psychological well-being and self-compassion, and with improvements in stress, psychological distress, and mood. Evidence for an effect on empathy is mixed, and the single paper measuring burnout found no effect. Two studies provided qualitative themes that contextualized the quantitative results. MBSR benefits medical student well-being and decreases psychological distress and depression.