Mindfulness
In addition to positive lifestyle changes, compliance with
mindfulness-based programmes have been shown to reduce symptoms of
burnout in doctors.29 Lebares et al’s cross-sectional
study indicated dispositional mindfulness was associated with a
decreased risk of symptoms associated with burnout, distress and severe
stress in surgeons.30 Similarly, research has shown
that specific relaxation techniques (i.e. progressive muscle relaxation)
based on elements in mindfulness has been shown to reduce symptoms of
anxiety and promote sleep quality in patients with
COVID-19.31
In this age of exponential technological progress, mobile-health apps
are being increasingly used as a source to enhance personal wellbeing.
Mindfulness apps have been shown to significantly strengthen resilience
and reduce burnout in medical trainees.32 The American
Psychiatric Association’s “app evaluation model” is a framework that
rates the efficacy and dangers of mobile and online
apps.33 This is in line with ORCHA (Organisation for
the Review of Care and Health Apps), a health app evaluation and advisor
organisation for NHS Digital and NHS England, who have recently launched
a COVID-19 specific health-app formulary supporting healthcare
professionals and patients. (Table 1) Pospos et al, reviewed data on the
effectiveness of these key apps used by clinicians and the general
public, recommending the following for specific circumstances:
meditation (Headspace, guided meditation audios), suicide prevention
(Stay Alive, Virtual Hope box), breathing (Breath2Relax) and Web-based
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MoodGYM, Stress Gym).34Specifically, the MoodGYM app has been shown to decrease suicidal
ideation amongst medical interns.35 Given the ease and
accessibility of the aforementioned apps, these mindfulness-based
platforms act as a virtual space to disconnect, de-stress and strengthen
resilience.36,37