Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Programme on Perceived Stress, Psychopathological Symptomatology and Burnout in Medical Students.

OBJECTIVES: Medical students display a high prevalence of psychopathological symptomatology, stress and burnout, which may continue in their time as resident and fully qualified doctors. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the effects of a mindfulness-based programme on these variables in an experimental group of medical students who underwent the intervention programme compared to a control group who did not. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study of two independent groups (experimental and control) with two repeated measures (pre and post) was performed. Eight sessions of 2-h duration each were held over the course of 16 weeks. A total of 143 students participated in the study, 68 in the intervention group and 75 in the control group. A sociodemographic questionnaire was administered along with the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS). RESULTS: Our study revealed a clear improvement compared to the control group in perceived stress and psychopathological symptomatology, in the Global Severity Index, Positive Symptom Total and the primary symptom dimensions of somatization, obsessive compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity and anxiety of the SCL-90-R. The improvement was significant at both intra- and intergroup level. No impact was found on the level of burnout. CONCLUSIONS: The mindfulness-based programme that was used resulted in an improvement in psychopathological symptomatology and stress, with no effect observed on BO score. This study can contribute to the design of a training programme to promote effective self-care and stress management strategies for both medical students and doctors.

Síntomas psicopatológicos, estrés y burnout en estudiantes de medicina / Psychopathological symptoms, stress and burnout among medical students

INTRODUCCIÓN: Diferentes estudios muestran unos elevados niveles de estrés y burnout en médicos y estudiantes de medicina. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar en los primeros cursos de medicina, en la Facultad de Medicina de Lleida, el grado de estrés percibido por los estudiantes, la sintomatología reportada y el grado de burnout, así como la relación entre estas variables y la posibilidad de detectar estudiantes de alto riesgo. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio transversal con 118 estudiantes (79,7% de segundo curso) de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Lleida. Se utiliza la escala de estrés percibido Perceived Stress Scale, el cuestionario de 90 síntomas Sympton Checklist-90-R y el cuestionario de burnout académico Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey. RESULTADOS: Las puntuaciones en estrés percibido son superiores al baremo, en el cuestionario de 90 síntomas alcanzan valores de una muestra de pacientes psicosomáticos, y un 16,95% igualan o superan la puntuación en el índice de severidad global, correspondiente al baremo de pacientes psiquiátricos. En las escalas de burnout académico se encuentran puntuaciones superiores en Agotamiento e Ineficacia Académica, no en Cinismo. Se han hallado diferencias en función del género. Las 3 variables muestran una correlación entre ellas. CONCLUSIONES: La muestra estudiada presenta unas puntuaciones elevadas en los test administrados. Se aplican puntos de corte que permiten detectar los casos de mayor gravedad en afección, hallándose un porcentaje notable (superior al 15%). Con los resultados obtenidos se propone la necesidad de que desde las facultades de medicina se incluyan programas de prevención, detección y abordaje de dificultades en salud mental, ya sean generales o específicos

INTRODUCTION: Different studies show high levels of stress and burnout in physicians and medical students. The aim of the present study is to determine the degree of stress perceived by the students, the psychopathological symptomatology and the degree of burnout, as well as the relationship between these variables in the first medical courses in the Faculty of Medicine of Lleida, detecting high risk students. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study involving 118 students (79.7% 2nd year) of the Medical Faculty of the University of Lleida. Were assessed in perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), symptomatology (Sympton Checklist-90-R) and academic burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey). RESULTS: Perceived stress scores are above the scale. Scores on the symptomatology are at values of a sample of psychosomatic patients, and 16.95% exceed the score corresponding to the scale of psychiatric patients at global severity index. On the scales of academic burnout scores are higher in Exhaustion and Academic Inefficacy, not in Cynicism. In the 3 variables there are differences based on gender. The 3 variables show a correlation between them. CONCLUSIONS: The sample studied had high scores in the administered tests. Cut-off points are used to detect cases of greater severity in pathology, with a notable percentage (greater than 15%). With the results obtained, it is proposed that medical schools should include programs for the prevention, detection and management of mental health difficulties, whether general or specific

Mindfulness en estudiantes de medicina / Mindfulness in medical students

Numerosos estudios muestran altos niveles de estrés y ansiedad en estudiantes de medicina y profesionales sanitarios, describiéndose múltiples factores relacionados (altos niveles de exigencia, contacto con la enfermedad y el sufrimiento), así como su resistencia a solicitar ayuda en caso de que la necesiten. Estos estresores se han asociado con agotamiento emocional, disminución de la empatía, consumo de tóxicos y riesgo de presentar problemas de salud mental. Se han definido diversos programas para mejorar el bienestar de los estudiantes. La presente revisión analiza la práctica del mindfulness (atención plena) como ayuda para disminuir el burnout y la fatiga por compasión, incrementar las habilidades de autocuidado, disminuir los niveles de ansiedad y mejorar el bienestar general en este colectivo. La práctica del mindfulness se ha relacionado asimismo con la mejora de las habilidades y competencias relacionadas con una buena práctica médica: ser consciente de los propios contenidos de consciencia, poners en posición de observador, capacidad empática, escucha activa, estar presente, metaconocimiento y metaconsciencia de lo que está ocurriendo en la interacción terapéutica y establecimiento de la alianza terapéutica (junto con su componente vincular). La revisión de la bibliografía apoya que se introduzca la práctica del mindfulness en el currículo formativo de los futuros médicos

Studies show high levels of stress and anxiety in medical students, describing multiple related factors. The stressors that affect them have been associated with emotional exhaustion, decreased empathy, toxic consumption and risk of mental health problems. This review shows how mindfulness practice can help to increase self-care skills and welfare in medical students, and their influence on stress, anxiety, burnout or compassion fatigue. Practicing mindfulness has also been associated with improved skills and competencies related to good medical practice: awareness, take an observe stance, empathic ability, active listening, being present and therapeutic alliance’s establishment. The literature review supports the introduction of mindfulness practice in the training curriculum of future physicians