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