[Mindfulness training for psychiatrists in residency: a pilot study]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Medical Education
• Psychology

Background:

• Medical students and psychiatric residents face high burnout and stress.
• Stress may reduce empathy in medical students.
• Mindfulness training shows potential to reduce stress and enhance empathy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a mindfulness course on perceived stress and empathy.
• To explore the benefits of mindfulness for psychiatric residents.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study involving 13 psychiatric residents.
• An eight-week mindfulness course was implemented.
• 11 participants completed pre- and post-training questionnaires on empathy, stress, and mindfulness.

Main Results:

• Participants reported a significant increase in empathy post-course.
• Perceived stress levels decreased, though not significantly.
• Mindfulness practice was assessed via questionnaires.

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness training appears to be a valuable addition to psychiatric residency curricula.
• The findings support the use of mindfulness to improve resident well-being.
• Further research is warranted to confirm stress reduction effects.