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

Shahab Hajibandeh, Christopher R Bowman, Shahin Hajibandeh, Oliver Luton, Carter C Lebares, Richard John Egan, Wyn G Lewis

World journal of surgery May 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1002/wjs.12606 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Systematic review and meta-analysis Peer reviewed
Sample size 179
Population Surgical residents
Intervention Mindfulness-based interventions
Topics Meditation
Keywords Burnout Stress Surgeons
Citations 2
Key findings Mindfulness-based interventions reduced stress, improved mindfulness, and lowered burnout, depersonalization, and emotional exhaustion in surgical residents, but did not affect depression or anxiety.

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.

Comparable studies

Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations 2014 Meta-analysis n = 3,515
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects 2009 Systematic review and meta-analysis
The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators 2012 Meta-analysis n = 163
Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission 2016 Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials n = 1,258
Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials 2011 Systematic review

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