Choice and Autonomy in Learning Mindfulness for Pediatric Residents
Northwestern University
Summary
This study is a pilot clinical trial designed to evaluate a flexible, online mindfulness program for pediatric residents. Medical training can be stressful, and although mindfulness programs are often offered to support well-being, many are either in-person or follow a fixed format that may not fit individual schedules or preferences. This study will test a digital mindfulness program called Wakeful, which allows participants to complete the course at their own pace. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will be able to choose the length of their mindfulness program (3, 5, or 7 weeks), while the other group will be assigned a program length without a choice. The goal is to understand whether giving participants a choice improves how often they use the program, how satisfied they are with it, and whether they complete it. The main outcomes of this study focus on how participants interact with the program, including how many sessions they complete, how often they practice mindfulness on their own, and how useful and relevant they find the program. The study will also look at overall satisfaction and how many participants drop out before finishing. In addition, the study will explore whether participants report changes in mindfulness and compassion for others, although it is not designed to determine clinical improvements in mental health. By understanding how pediatric residents engage with different program formats, this study aims to inform the design of more flexible and user-centered digital wellness programs that better fit into demanding medical training environments.
Description
This pilot randomized study evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and user engagement of a digital, asynchronous mindfulness-based intervention (Wakeful) among pediatric residents. The study is designed to address a key limitation in existing mindfulness interventions: the predominance of "one-size-fits-all" program structures that may not align with the time constraints, preferences, and autonomy of medical trainees. Background and Rationale Pediatric residents experience significant occupational stress due to demanding clinical schedules, high patient volumes, and emotionally complex c…
Eligibility
- Age range
- Not specified
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Current categorical pediatrics residents at Northwestern University. * Preliminary pediatrics residents who intend to continue in pediatrics. * Willing and able to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: \- None; all pediatric residents meeting inclusion criteria are eligible.
Interventions
- BehavioralWakeful Digital Mindfulness Program
Wakeful digital mindfulness program: an asynchronous, web-based course with guided meditations, didactic content, and optional reflective exercises.
Location
- McGaw Medical CenterChicago, Illinois