Actively Recruiting
Evaluating Occupational Stress in Surgeons and Musicians Using Wearable EEG, Biomarker Analysis, and Questionnaires
Led by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · Updated on 2026-04-15
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to understand occupational stress in surgeons and musicians by combining psychological tests, brain activity measures, and biological markers. It focuses on changes in stress levels before and after surgeries for surgeons and live performances for musicians, using both physiological and psychological stress indicators. The study also compares anxiety and burnout symptoms between these two professional groups. Participants will complete questionnaires about demographics, anxiety, and burnout. Saliva samples will be collected before and after their surgical procedures or music performances to measure cortisol levels. An optional part of the study includes watching a recording of their performance or surgery while wearing a wearable EEG device to monitor brain activity, with additional saliva samples and questionnaires collected before and after this session. During the study, participants will provide saliva samples and complete several questionnaires at scheduled times. Researchers will measure changes in anxiety, burnout, and cortisol levels to assess occupational stress. The study will also monitor safety and any adverse events throughout an average duration of one year. Participants' involvement may include completing surveys via email and optional EEG recording sessions.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Evaluating Occupational Stress in Surgeons and Musicians: A Multi-modal Pilot Study Using Wearable EEG, Biomarker Analysis and Validated Questionnaires
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 years and older
- Professional musicians with academic or orchestral appointments
- Musicians must have a scheduled performance within three months of enrollment
- MD Anderson neurosurgeons
- Neurosurgeons must perform a surgical procedure within three months of enrollment
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable to provide informed consent
- Diagnosed with severe cognitive impairments, severe psychiatric disorders, or hearing or visual impairments affecting participation
- Previously enrolled in the study
- Non-English-speaking musicians or surgeons
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or remote) to assess eligibility and obtain consent
Duration - Up to 3 months depending on scheduled surgery or performance
Participants complete questionnaires and provide saliva samples before and after their scheduled surgery or live music performance to assess occupational stress and related biomarkers.
Questionnaires sent via email and saliva samples collected before and after surgery or performance; 2 visits for sample collection
Duration - Single session lasting a few hours
Participants who opt in undergo an EEG while watching a recording of their surgery or performance, with saliva samples and questionnaires collected before and after this session.
1 visit (in-person) for EEG recording, saliva sample collection, and questionnaire completion
Duration - Up to 1 year
Participants are monitored for safety and adverse events throughout the study period, lasting up to approximately 1 year.
Periodic check-ins or communications as needed
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, United States, 77030
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Mei Rui, DMA
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here