JAMA Network Open | 2019
Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Training in Surgery
Abstract
Key Points Question Is there preliminary evidence to support the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction for improving well-being and performance in postgraduate year 1 surgery residents? Findings In this pilot randomized clinical trial of 21 first-year surgery residents, taking a modified mindfulness-based stress reduction class was associated with higher mindfulness, lower stress, better executive function scores, faster motor skills, and unique activation of neural substrates associated with executive control and self-awareness during an emotional regulation task compared with control participants. Meaning Mindfulness-based stress reduction appeared to mitigate stress and enhance executive function in surgery residents, supporting the value of larger, more definitive trials of this promising intervention for surgeons.