Wellbeing interventions in family medicine and general practice trainees: a preliminary meta-analysis

Medical trainees experience occupational stress, prompting increasing research to explore wellbeing interventions. To date, few meta-analyses have evaluated intervention effects, and none have focused on trainees in family medicine or general practice (FM/GP), specifically. Aim: To synthesise available literature on psychosocial interventions to promote wellbeing, and subsequently reduce ill-being or burnout, among FM/GP specialty trainees.

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis were followed and online databases (Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Scopus) systematically searched (no date limits) for published studies and dissertations. The methodological quality of included studies was reviewed (Mixed Methods Appraisal tool, GRADE assessment), and pre-post changes (Hedges' g) pooled using random effects modelling.

Eleven independent studies, involving 182 FM/GP trainees, were included in this review. Evaluated studies varied in their design and the results were characterised by imprecision. Interventions differed in their content, delivery, and length. The data did not favour a single type of intervention, although supporting individuals to monitor their wellbeing did produce significant, positive effects.

There is a lack of evidence about the best ways to promote wellbeing in FM/GP trainees. Both the methodology and design of training and educational initiatives for FM/GP need careful consideration in order to progress this research.