NCT06368791

Anti-Stress Intervention Among Physicians Study

Evaluation of Easy-to-implement Anti-stress Interventions in a Series of N-of-1 Trials Among Physicians in Residence

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 145 (actual)
• Sponsor: Charite University, Berlin, Germany · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Medical practice often comes with high stress. Stress negatively affects our health and well-being and is linked to doctors making mistakes, some of which can be deadly. In this study, the effect of two quick stress-relief methods on daily stress levels is estimated. The two anti-stress exercises are designed to easily fit into daily routines: 1. Box breathing (6 minutes) is known to reduce stress and lower the heart rate. It is used by the military and law enforcement, among others, to manage stress. 2. Breathing and mindfulness exercise (10 minutes): This guided breathing and mindfulness intervention combines mindful breathing with simple body movements, developed to reduce the perceived level of stress. The effectiveness of these interventions is being examined in a series of N-of-1 trials. Each participant can choose between the interventions. After being randomly allocated to an individual sequence of one-week intervention and control phases, the study begins. Participants record their stress levels daily over the four-week study period. The intervention is only performed in the intervention phases. Upon completing the study, the stress levels during the intervention phases are compared to those in the control phases. Each participant will receive an individual analysis based on the collected data. In addition, the investigators will estimate the effects at the population level. Three months after the study, a survey will be sent to the participants to check if the benefits have persisted.

Conditions

• Stress, Psychological
• Burnout, Psychological
• Subjective Stress
• Occupational Stress

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Box Breathing	Participants are guided to find a quite and comfortable spot to sit and unwind. They are then directed to inhale deeply for four seconds, hold that breath for another four seconds, and then exhale slowly over four seconds. Following a brief four-second pause, they begin the next cycle of breathing. To assist with this exercise, participants will have access to a video featuring a red dot tracing a square pattern, moving at the pace needed for the breathing technique.
BEHAVIORAL	Breathing and Mindfulness Exercise	The second intervention involves a 10-minute session of guided breathing exercises that blend elements of mindfulness meditation with gentle body movements and controlled breathing. Participants are advised to find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and adopt an upright posture. They are then led through a series of brief exercises, incorporating mild stretches for the upper body and focused, mindful breathing.
BEHAVIORAL	Everyday life control	Participants are instructed to not perform the anti-stress intervention and to proceed with their daily activities as usual.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-04-15
• Primary completion: 2024-06-30
• Completion: 2024-10-30
• First posted: 2024-04-16
• Last updated: 2024-12-10

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Germany