The feasibility of an innovative online mind-body wellness program for medical students.
Christina Ray, Shankar Jha, Makayla Watt, Ashley Hyde, Kendra Mcgowan, Sarah Tymchuk, Puneeta Tandon
Canadian medical education journal February 1, 2025 DOI: 10.36834/cmej.77658 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 12-week online wellness program combining yoga, breathwork, meditation, and nutrition was tested for feasibility with medical students at a Canadian medical school. Of 74 participants, 64 completed the program, and 21 met the goal of participating at least two days per week. Most participants (74.8%) found the program accessible and satisfying, though some reported adherence challenges. Exploratory analysis suggested reduced stress (11%), anxiety (14%), and improved mindfulness (5.6%). Qualitative interviews indicated participants experienced greater balance and mindfulness. The program appears feasible and potentially beneficial for medical student well-being.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Pilot feasibility, mixed-methods study with a pre-post design Pilot study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 74 |
| Population | Medical students from a large Canadian medical school |
| Interventions | yoga breathwork meditation nutrition |
| Duration | 12-week program |
| Key finding | A 12-week online wellness intervention appears feasible for medical students, with exploratory signals of reduced stress, anxiety, and improved mindfulness. |
Abstract
Medical students have higher stress levels than their age-matched peers; however, few online wellness interventions have been trialed in this population. This pilot study examined the feasibility of an online wellness program for medical students. This was a pilot feasibility, mixed-methods study with a pre-post design. From September to October 2020, medical students from a large Canadian medical school were introduced to a 12-week online program with weekly sessions on yoga, breathwork, meditation, and nutrition. Feasibility measures included adherence, satisfaction, and retention, with secondary outcome measures including stress, anxiety, quality of life, and mindfulness. Post-program qualitative interviews explored participant experience. Of 74 participants, 64 completed the program. Twenty-one achieved the program goal of participating at least two days per week. While 74.8% of participants found the program accessible and satisfying, some students reported challenges with adherence. Exploratory analysis indicated there are signals for reduced stress (11%, p = 0.005), anxiety (14%, p = 0.001), and improved mindfulness (5.6%, p = 0.001). Qualitative analysis revealed themes of participants experiencing an increased sense of balance and mindfulness. A 12-week online wellness intervention appears feasible for medical students, showing potential benefits for stress, anxiety, and mindfulness.