SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Do Compassion Interventions Reduce Burnout in Physicians and Medical Students

Do Compassion Interventions Reduce Burnout in Physicians and Medical Students - A Systematic Review of Interventions

Pdf Summary

This systematic review examined whether compassion-based interventions reduce burnout in physicians and medical students. The authors searched PubMed and EBSCO using PRISMA methods and identified 12 eligible studies involving 612 participants across six countries.<br /><br />Overall, the evidence suggests that compassion interventions can meaningfully reduce burnout. Nine of the 12 studies (75%) found statistically significant improvements, and five reported moderate to large effect sizes. One study showed partial benefit, while two found no effect. Interventions included self-compassion training, compassion directed toward others, and programs combining both approaches. Most studies focused on self-compassion or combined interventions, while compassion toward others alone was rarely studied.<br /><br />The findings were generally consistent across different settings, participant groups, delivery formats, and study designs. However, the evidence base is still small, which limited subgroup comparisons and firm conclusions about which intervention type works best. Only one study assessed long-term outcomes, and it found benefits sustained at six months, but overall evidence for lasting effects remains limited.<br /><br />The review concludes that compassion interventions are a promising strategy for reducing burnout among healthcare trainees and physicians. At the same time, more research is needed to determine which types of interventions are most effective and whether the benefits persist over time.

Asset Subtitle

Sivaranjani Penna

Meta Tag

Author List Courtney McNamara, David Stuckler, Sivaranjani Penna

Category Research

Concept Compassion Intervention

Concept Burnout

Concept Self-Compassion

Concept Compassion for Others

Concept Systematic Review

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Bryn Mawr Hospital, Mainline Health

Presenting Author Sivaranjani Penna

Track Other

Keywords

compassion-based interventions

burnout reduction

physicians

medical students

systematic review

self-compassion training

PRISMA

healthcare trainees

effect sizes

long-term outcomes

Compassion Intervention

Burnout

Self-Compassion

Compassion for Others

Systematic Review