Mindfulness as Medicine: Co-Developing a Program of Research to Improve Physician Wellbeing Through a Meditation Community of Practice

Burnout and suffering in health professionals reached epidemic proportions during the COVID-19 pandemic: between 60-80% of Canadian physicians reported burnout in 2021 (up from 30% in 2018) and 47% met the criteria for depression, while 75% of nurses experienced burnout. Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to decrease burnout and increase resilience and meaning in health professionals. However, further evidence is needed around its long-term impact.
We seek to close this gap by bringing together a collaborative team to co-develop a program of research that investigates the effectiveness of an intensive mindfulness meditation retreat and subsequent community of practice as a therapeutic intervention to improve wellbeing in healthcare professionals.
With research users and trainees, we will develop a study protocol that uses quantitative and qualitative design and analysis (using narrative interviews and clinical surveys) to evaluate the effects of a 5 day retreat, with follow-up at 1, 6 and 12 months. We will work together to ensure our engagement and the research are equitable, accessible, and inclusive for diverse healthcare professionals, and will identify funding opportunities to move our collaboration forward.