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. 2022 Aug;46(4):460-465.
doi: 10.1007/s40596-021-01507-x. Epub 2021 Aug 2.

Implementing a Mind-Body Skills Group in Psychiatric Residency Training

Noshene Ranjbar  1 , Matt Erb  2 , Julie Tomkins  3 , Krishna Taneja  4 , Amelia Villagomez  3
Affiliations

Implementing a Mind-Body Skills Group in Psychiatric Residency Training

Noshene Ranjbar et al. Acad Psychiatry. 2022 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: The burnout crisis in healthcare has led to interventions promoting resiliency and wellness among residents. One such intervention is a 10-week Mind-Body Skills Group including didactics and experiential exercises, self-expression, and small-group support. A Mind-Body Skills Group for residents and fellows in the University of Arizona-Tucson Department of Psychiatry aimed to teach skills for self-care and patient care.

Methods: In 2018-2020, 50 University of Arizona-Tucson psychiatric residents and fellows participated in Mind-Body Skills Groups. After finishing the course, 44 participants completed a survey about satisfaction with the course and its content, comfort sharing experiences with the group, use of mind-body skills for participants' own self-care and wellness, use of these skills with patients, and likelihood of recommending the Mind-Body Skills Group to colleagues.

Results: Eighty-four percent of survey respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the Mind-Body Skills Group. Eighty percent used skills learned in the course for their own self-care and 61% used the skills with patients on at least a weekly basis. Eighty-nine percent indicated they were likely or very likely to use mind-body skills with patients in the future. Ninety-five percent of respondents felt safe sharing personal feelings and experiences in the group, and 95% would strongly recommend or likely recommend the course to colleagues. Results for in-person and online groups were not significantly different.

Conclusions: A 10-week Mind-Body Skills Group during psychiatric residency was well received by participants. The course influenced personal health behaviors, which may bolster resiliency and reduce risk for burnout.

Keywords: Burnout; Mind-body medicine; Resident well-being; Resiliency.

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