Evidence-based intervention to prevent professional burnout in resident oncology doctors in a tertiary UK centre: a pilot study

Abstract

Objectives To develop an evidence-based intervention to prevent burnout in oncology doctors. Methods A novel well-being intervention was developed and involved breathing and relaxation exercises, clinical debriefing, reflective practice and mindfulness. Resident doctors at a tertiary cancer centre were invited to attend weekly sessions facilitated by a clinical psychologist. Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) scores were collected at the start and end of placement. Results Over 12 months, 28 resident doctors in inpatient oncology participated in our optional weekly well-being sessions (average 3–6 sessions per rotation). Baseline average and median WEMWBS were 51 (SD ±5.8) and 50.5 (range 41–62). At baseline, 82.12% (n=23/28) had average well-being scores. There was a statistically significant improvement in overall WEMWBS from 51.00 (SD ±5.80) to 54.57 (SD ±7.59) (p=0.0017). 57.14% (n=16/28) of participants had an increase in three or more points (range +4to +15) in total WEMWBS; 7.14% (n=2/28) had a decrease in three or more points (range −10 to −10). All were either ‘satisfied’ (n=1/28) or ‘very satisfied’ (n=27/28) with the session facilitation. All found the sessions either ‘helpful’ (n=25/28) or ‘very helpful’ (n=3/28). Conclusions In this pilot study, our novel well-being intervention preserved, and in some cases improved, mental well-being among resident doctors working in oncology.