Evidence-based intervention to prevent professional burnout in resident oncology doctors in a tertiary UK centre: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES: To develop an evidence-based intervention to prevent burnout in oncology doctors. METHODS: A novel well-being intervention was developed and involved breathing and relaxation exercises, clinical debriefing, reflective practice and mindfulness. Resident doctors at a tertiary cancer centre were invited to attend weekly sessions facilitated by a clinical psychologist. Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) scores were collected at the start and end of placement. RESULTS: Over 12 months, 28 resident doctors in inpatient oncology participated in our optional weekly well-being sessions (average 3-6 sessions per rotation). Baseline average and median WEMWBS were 51 (SD ±5.8) and 50.5 (range 41-62). At baseline, 82.12% (n=23/28) had average well-being scores. There was a statistically significant improvement in overall WEMWBS from 51.00 (SD ±5.80) to 54.57 (SD ±7.59) (p=0.0017). 57.14% (n=16/28) of participants had an increase in three or more points (range +4 to +15) in total WEMWBS; 7.14% (n=2/28) had a decrease in three or more points (range -10 to -10). All were either 'satisfied' (n=1/28) or 'very satisfied' (n=27/28) with the session facilitation. All found the sessions either 'helpful' (n=25/28) or 'very helpful' (n=3/28). CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, our novel well-being intervention preserved, and in some cases improved, mental well-being among resident doctors working in oncology.