Mindfulness in Residency: A Survey of Residents' Perceptions on the Utility and Efficacy of Mindfulness Meditation as a Stress-Reduction Tool.

PURPOSE: Mindfulness meditation can help reduce burnout in medical students and attendings, yet has not demonstrated efficacy in residents. The authors surveyed internal medicine residents to determine their prior experience with and interest in mindfulness meditation.

METHODS: An anonymous survey was given to 130 internal medicine residents at the Alpert Medical School at Brown University during the 2016-2017 academic year. The survey assessed prior experience, perceived efficacy, and interest in learning about mindfulness meditation.

RESULTS: Of 104 completed surveys, 61% reported prior use of mindfulness and 25% reported current weekly or greater use. Eighty-seven percent of residents believed mindfulness meditation would help with stress reduction, and 87% were interested in receiving mindfulness training.

CONCLUSIONS: Though a minority of residents currently practice mindfulness meditation, most believe it is an effective stress reduction tool and are interested in receiving further training. These results support the inclusion of mindfulness training within residency wellness initiatives.