Exploring the feasibility of a web-based positive psychology program among anaesthesiologists: an explanatory...

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Psychology
• Health informatics

Background:

• Physician burnout is a global crisis, with Hong Kong anaesthesiologists reporting high rates.
• Anaesthesiology is a high-risk specialty for depression and suicide.
• Web-based positive psychology interventions (PPI) offer accessible mental health support for busy clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of culturally adapted, web-based PPIs for Hong Kong anaesthesiologists.
• To explore the effects of personal growth vs. workplace-focused PPIs on well-being.
• To assess the impact of PPIs on physician burnout and mental health.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods feasibility randomized controlled trial involving 102 anaesthesiologists.
• Participants were randomized to individual-oriented PPI, workplace-oriented PPI, or a wait-list control group.
• Interventions included a workshop, 4 web-based modules, and WhatsApp peer discussions over 10 weeks, with assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and one-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• The blended web-based approach was found to be feasible and acceptable.
• A significant reduction in depression and increase in meaningful work was observed immediately post-intervention in the individual-oriented PPI group, but not sustained at one year.
• Qualitative analysis revealed intrinsic motivation and perceived applicability as key enablers, while waning engagement and psychological safety concerns were implementation challenges.

Conclusions:

• Bite-sized, web-based PPIs are feasible and acceptable for time-constrained anaesthesiologists.
• PPIs showed preliminary short-term well-being benefits, supporting basic psychological needs.
• Future large-scale trials should assess sustained effects and explore complementary system-level measures for optimal support.