A Voluntary Stress-Management Workshop for Neurology Residents: Design, Implementation, and Impact. (P4.207)
Sarah Dolgonos, Kamil Detyniecki
Neurology April 6, 2015 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.84.14_supplement.p4.207 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Practical guide or manual Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 10 |
| Population | Yale Neurology residents |
| Interventions | Mindfulness meditation conscious breathing (pranayama) yoga |
| Duration | Three-hour module; two-week follow-up |
| Measures | Positive Negative Affect Scale, Likert-scale evaluations, open-ended questions |
| Key points | A three-hour mindfulness, breathing, and yoga module was well received by neurology residents: all 10 completers reported relaxation, 9 of 10 had improved Positive Negative Affect Scale scores, and all 10 reported continued home practice at two weeks. The authors suggest further evaluation is needed to determine long-term impact and suitability as a residency education component. |
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate feasibility of and receptivity for stress-management training during neurology residency
Background: Exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and stress are widespread among residents. Studies have shown that physicians who undertake mindfulness training report decreased anger, fatigue, and depression, and an increased sense of personal accomplishment. Standardized mindfulness training may not be feasible within a busy residency schedule. DESIGN/METHODS: A three-hour module was designed, according to Tyler’s curriculum model, to introduce meditative techniques as strategies for stress management. Teaching strategies included practical exercises in mindfulness meditation and conscious breathing (pranayama), an instructor-led yoga class, group discussion, and written resources. The course was offered to Yale Neurology Residents (n=24), and two sessions were held to accommodate resident availability. The Positive Negative Affect Scale was completed before and after the breathing and meditation exercises. Evaluations consisting of Likert-scale ratings and open-ended questions were completed immediately after the event and two weeks later.
Results: Ten residents completed the module. Immediately after the event, all participants reported that the exercises were successful in eliciting relaxation. 9/10 respondents had either increase in Positive Affect or decrease in Negative Affect scores or both. On a two-week follow-up survey, 10/10 residents (100[percnt]) reported continued use of breathing exercises, meditation or stretching at home. Open-ended responses endorsed high value to stress management education during residency and requested ongoing self-care workshops.
Conclusions: The self-care and stress-management program consisting of mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises and yoga postures was well-received by Neurology Residents. The three-hour session provided enough time to experience relaxation and learn skills for continued home practice. Further evaluation with quantitative and qualitative data can determine long-term impact and suitability of stress management training as a component of residency education. Study supported by Yale Neurology Department Spinelli Fund