Study of Wellness Programs to Reduce Burnout and Improve Fulfillment in Healthcare Clinicians Ages 25 to 70

What This Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of foundational wellness programs on reducing clinician burnout and improving professional fulfillment among healthcare professionals at University of Pennsylvania Health Systems and Massachusetts General Hospital. This prospective, randomized clinical trial compares the Sudarshan Kriya Yoga SKY Breathing and Sahaj Meditation program to an active control group receiving a Health Education Program HEP. The study focuses on psychometric, cognitive, and physiological measures related to burnout and well-being. Participants are randomized into one of two groups the SKY intervention or the HEP control. The SKY program includes a baseline week of heart rate variability HRV and sleep tracking, followed by a 3-day online workshop totaling 10.5 hours with live instruction, then weekly 1-hour follow-up sessions for 4 weeks. Participants practice daily for 45 minutes and continuously wear an Oura Ring for physiological monitoring. The HEP group undergoes a 2-day, 3 hoursday online workshop, followed by weekly 2-hour sessions over 4 weeks, also practicing daily for 45 minutes and wearing the Oura Ring for continuous monitoring. Throughout the 6-week study, clinicians complete assessments of burnout using the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint. Daily HRV and sleep scores are collected via the Oura Ring. Additional questionnaires evaluate depression, anxiety, sleep impairment, intent to leave employment, self-valuation, impact of work on relationships, social connectedness, mindfulness, cognitive errors, and self-reported medical errors at the beginning and end of the study. Data will be statistically analyzed to determine the impact of these programs on clinician well-being and burnout.

Foundational Programs to Combat Clinician Stress