Evaluating a Flexible Online Mindfulness Program for Pediatric Residents Comparing Participant Choice Versus Assigned Duration

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate a flexible, online mindfulness program called Wakeful designed for pediatric residents who often experience high levels of stress during medical training. The study addresses the limitations of traditional mindfulness programs that are usually in-person or have fixed schedules, which may not suit the busy and varied schedules of medical trainees. The goal is to understand if allowing participants to choose the length of their mindfulness program improves engagement, satisfaction, and completion rates. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group selects the duration of their Wakeful mindfulness program 3, 5, or 7 weeks, while the other group is assigned a program length without choice. Both groups complete one module per week, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes, including didactic content, guided meditation, and optional reflection. The program is web-based and can be accessed remotely via computer, tablet, or smartphone. Optional independent mindfulness practice is encouraged throughout the study. During the study, participants complete questionnaires before and after the intervention, and some may take part in optional debrief interviews. Researchers will collect usage data from the platform to measure engagement, program completion, frequency of meditation practice, user satisfaction, and dropout rates. Secondary outcomes include exploring changes in mindfulness and compassion, though the study is not designed to assess clinical mental health improvements. Participation lasts according to the chosen or assigned program length, and all data is handled confidentially.

Choice and Autonomy in Learning Mindfulness for Pediatric Residents