Open AccessMindfulness Education for Otolaryngology Residents: A Pilot Study
Author(s) -
Kashat Lawrence,
Carter Bridgette,
Mosha Maua,
Kavanagh Katherine R.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
oto open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2473-974X
DOI - 10.1177/2473974x20945277
Subject(s) - mindfulness , mood , otorhinolaryngology , curriculum , affect (linguistics) , clinical psychology , psychology , medicine , psychiatry , pedagogy , communication
This pilot project was designed to (1) implement a mindfulness‐based wellness curriculum for otolaryngology residents, (2) determine the impact of a mindfulness‐based curriculum on resident mood, and (3) examine the use of mindfulness among otolaryngology residents. Otolaryngology residents participated in a 6‐week course guided by the Headspace mindfulness mobile application. Resident use of mindfulness was measured by the validated Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Changes in mood before and after each session were assessed using the validated Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PNAS). Residents reported a statistically significant decrease in postsession negative affect scores ( P <. 001). A moderate positive correlation was noted between mindfulness scores and presession positive mood (Pearson r = 0.597, P <. 001). This pilot study supports the feasibility and impact of including mindfulness training as part of a resident wellness curriculum.