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Anti-Stress Intervention Among Physicians Study

Recruiting
18 years of age
Both
Phase N/A

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Overview

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.

Eligibility

Inclusion criteria

  • Physicians in training in Germany
  • Weekly working time in medical activity of at least 9 hours
  • Regular access to a mobile phone on which the "StudyU"-App can be installed
  • Informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Age <18 years
  • Specialist training already completed
  • No clinical activity during the study period or part of the study period (e.g. vacation, research activity, etc.)
  • Participation in another intervention study during the study period
  • Does not speak German
  • Does yoga more than 4 times a month
  • Meditates or performs breathing exercises on average more than 4 days per month
  • Confirmed or suspected pregnancy
  • Presence of a psychiatric disorder
  • Presence of cardiovascular disease
  • Presence of respiratory or pulmonary disease
  • Presence of a neurological disease
  • Substance abuse (for example, alcohol, drugs, or other)
  • Planned surgery within the next 6 months
  • Doctor's recommendation (or self-assessment) not to perform mindfulness or breathing exercises
  • Lack of informed consent
  • Employee of the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin (due to data protection reasons, employees of the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin will not be included in this study)

Study details

Stress, Psychological, Burnout, Psychological, Subjective Stress

NCT06368791

Charite University, Berlin, Germany

30 April 2024

Step 1 Get in touch with the nearest study center
What happens next?
  • You can expect the study team to contact you via email or phone in the next few days.
  • Sign up as volunteer  to help accelerate the development of new treatments and to get notified about similar trials.

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FAQs

Learn more about clinical trials

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a study designed to test specific interventions or treatments' effectiveness and safety, paving the way for new, innovative healthcare solutions.

Why should I take part in a clinical trial?

Participating in a clinical trial provides early access to potentially effective treatments and directly contributes to the healthcare advancements that benefit us all.

How long does a clinical trial take place?

The duration of clinical trials varies. Some trials last weeks, some years, depending on the phase and intention of the trial.

Do I get compensated for taking part in clinical trials?

Compensation varies per trial. Some offer payment or reimbursement for time and travel, while others may not.

How safe are clinical trials?

Clinical trials follow strict ethical guidelines and protocols to safeguard participants' health. They are closely monitored and safety reviewed regularly.
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