Promoting wellness and stress management in residents through emotional intelligence training

Abstract

BackgroundUS physicians are experiencing burnout in alarming numbers. However, doctors with high levels of emotional intelligence (EI) may be immune to burnout, as they possess coping strategies which make them more resilient and better at managing stress. Educating physicians in EI may help prevent burnout and optimize their overall wellness. The purpose of our study was to determine if educational intervention increases the overall EI level of residents; specifically, their stress management and wellness scores.Participant and methodsResidents from pediatrics and med-ped residency programs at a university-based training program volunteered to complete an online self-report EI survey (EQ-i 2.0) before and after an educational intervention. The four-hour educational workshop focused on developing four EI skills: self-awareness; self-management; social awareness; and social skills. We compared de-identified median score reports for the residents as a cohort before and after the intervention.ResultsThirty-one residents (20 pediatric and 11 med-ped residents) completed the EI survey at both time intervals and were included in the analysis of results. We saw a significant increase in total EI median scores before and after educational intervention (110 vs 114, P=0.004). The stress management composite median score significantly increased (105 vs 111, P<0.001). The resident’s overall wellness score also improved significantly (104 vs 111, P=0.003).ConclusionsAs a group, our pediatric and med-peds residents had a significant increase in total EI and several other components of EI following an educational intervention. Teaching EI skills related to the areas of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and social skill may improve stress management skills, promote wellness, and prevent burnout in resident physicians.

Assessment of Burnout and its Factors Among Doctors Using the Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory

“…The residents completed an online EI-survey before and after the intervention. A significant increase in median total EI score, composite median stress management score, and overall wellness score was observed [19]. Such interventions targeting behavioral and cognitive principles are our most promising evidence-based approach to reduce stress and burnout among doctors.…”

Medical Students Immersed in a Hyper-Realistic Surgical Training Environment Leads to Improved Measures of Emotional Resiliency by Both Hardiness and Emotional Intelligence Evaluation

“…Higher levels of individual Hardiness and Emotional Intelligence may contribute to mitigating perceived stress and symptoms of burnout. Studies have shown both Emotional Intelligence (Gorgas et al, 2015;Shahid et al, 2018) and Hardiness (Maddi, 2002;Bartone et al, 2008;Kalantar et al, 2013) can be improved through training. However, there is no published research on how training can improve both facets at the same time.…”

Physicians’ Emotional Intelligence: Improving Performance While Reducing Burnout

“…It has been described that EQ may confer a protective effect against burnout and favors physician well-being, resilience and stress management. 12,27 Contrary, a low EQ has been associated with less ability to cope with the stressors of medical training and practice. 13 Indeed, for surgery residents, EQ significantly predicted well-being, depression, burnout and its specific components-emotional exhaustion and depersonalization.…”

“…13 Indeed, for surgery residents, EQ significantly predicted well-being, depression, burnout and its specific components-emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. 27,28 In pediatric resident's, EQ training generated a significant improvement in stress management and overall wellness. 27 A recent article, 6 which discussed the benefits of emotional intelligence during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggested the use of mindfulness micro-practices as a method to prevent burnout.…”