Table 1.
Mindfulness Interventions in RCTs of Physicians, Residents and Medical Students, 2011–2023
| Category of Intervention | Intervention Title and Description |
|---|---|
| In-person interventions | MBSR22–25: 8 weekly 2–2.5-h sessions. The mindfulness component includes body scan, yoga stretches, and meditation (breathing, observing thoughts, and walking meditation). Includes an 8-h retreat and daily formal home practice |
| Adapted MBSR26–28: 6 or 8 weekly shorter or 2-h sessions, including 1.5-h meditation, with an emphasis on resilience training. Includes a similar or shorter duration retreat or no retreat, and daily less-formal practice | |
| Mindful Medicine Curriculum29: 13-h weekend training course based on MBSR. It includes added compassion skills training, brief mindfulness techniques to be used at work, and the application of mindfulness to speaking, listening, and observing | |
| Stress Management and Resiliency Training program30,31: Single 90-min small group session based on AIT. PowerPoint slides about AIT plus brief structured relaxation intervention (paced breathing meditation) 5–15 min/d | |
| Mindfulness Intervention for New Interns32: Seven 1-h sessions of mindfulness curriculum (social lunch, 1 min of silence, introduction to mindfulness, a mindfulness exercise, debrief) and monthly mindfulness refresher (prerecorded 10-min body scan exercise) | |
| Facilitated physician discussion groups33 | |
| Cognitive therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy34: Adapted from MBSR, 10-wk mindfulness training | |
| Technology interventions | Biofeedback device35: Rhythmic breathing, self-generated positive emotions, and a portable biofeedback device to reduce stress |
| “Dear Doctor” text messages36: Text messages delivered to physician devices based on 11 evidence themes in 6 categories: gratitude, self-efficacy, connection to purpose, social support, support resources (including mindfulness and self-compassion), and planning | |
| Mindful awareness practices framework37: 5 weekly sessions delivered on a mobile application and online forum | |
| Coresights Virtual Reality application38 Weekly 10-min virtual reality–guided meditation (including paced breathing and mindfulness meditation) | |
| HeadSpace application39–45: Adapted MBSR* delivered through the application or the Compassion Cultivation Training Program† also delivered through application | |
| Virtual or hybrid virtual–in-person interventions | Adapted MBSR using video modules45 |
| In-person mindfulness session* audio CD46: Two 60-min guided sessions for relaxation, attention, and clarity. Daily 30-min audio-guided meditation for 8 wk | |
| Compassion Cultivation Training Program47: 8 weekly 2-h virtual group sessions to learn “6 essential steps” “1) learning to focus and settle the mind; 2) experiencing compassion and loving-kindness for a loved one; 3) experiencing compassion and loving-kindness for oneself; 4) experiencing compassion towards others, premised in common humanity and interconnectedness; 5) experiencing compassion towards all beings; and 6) ‘active compassion’ practice.” | |
| Mindfulness-based intervention48: Ten 35-min virtual classes twice weekly, plus 10-min yoga (breathing and posture) and dietary advice | |
| Better Together49,50: Live virtual 60-min group coaching calls led by physician coaches (Life Coach School), and self-study or 4 monthly didactic webinars | |
| Hybrid in-person and Headspace application51: In-person practice sessions, a mindfulness retreat, plus the Headspace application for independent practice | |
| Integral Meditation52: 10 online classes (35 min) twice weekly, 10 min of yoga before each class, dietary advice, and independent practice |