A pilot feasibility study of a peer-led mindfulness program for medical students

Marlon Danilewitz; Jacques Bradwejn; Diana Koszycki

A pilot feasibility study of a peer-led mindfulness program for medical students

Can Med Educ J. 2016 Mar 31;7(1):e31-7. eCollection 2016.

Authors

Marlon Danilewitz¹, Jacques Bradwejn², Diana Koszycki³

Affiliations

¹ University of British Columbia, Department of Psychiatry, Vancouver, BC.
² University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON; Institut de recherche de l'hôpital Montfort, Ottawa, ON.
³ University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON; Institut de recherche de l'hôpital Montfort, Ottawa, ON; University of Ottawa, Faculty of Education, Ottawa, ON.

PMID: 27103950
PMCID: PMC4830371

Abstract

Background: Mindfulness meditation has gained momentum in medical circles for bolstering wellbeing and other facets of professionalism. This study evaluated the feasibility and benefits of a peer-led mindfulness meditation program (MMP) on medical student wellness and professionalism.

Method: Pre-clerkship students were recruited and randomized to the 8-week MMP or wait-list. Feasibility outcomes included ease of recruitment, program attendance and homework compliance. Other outcomes included self-reported psychological distress, empathy, self-compassion, mindfulness, altruism and program satisfaction.

Results: The MMP decreased levels of stress and enhanced mindfulness, self-compassion and altruism from baseline to post-study. Changes were not significant for the wait-list condition. Although satisfaction with the MMP was high compliance was suboptimal.

Conclusions: A peer-led MMP is feasible and may be a promising approach to enhance medical student wellbeing. Further research is needed to explore strategies to improve program compliance in this student population.