STRIVE - Resilience Curriculum for Novice Physicians-In-Training

Evaluation of a Formal Resilience Curriculum for Novice Physicians-in-training on Self-reported Resilience: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this trial is to compare self-reported resilience scores in junior physicians-in-training after completion of formal resilience training. The main questions this trial aims to answer are:

• Does formal resilience training improve self-reported resilience scores?
• Does the timing of resilience training (i.e., first vs second year of residency training) impact the effect of training? All participants will be provided with resources on resilience and learner support as per usual institutional practice. The intervention group will also participate in a formal resilience training program.

Researchers will compare self-reported resilience scores 3 months after training to determine the effect of the training program.

Physician wellness has gained much attention over recent years due to growing concerns regarding mental illness and burnout. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of physician health.

Resilience, defined as the capacity of an individual to adapt well and even thrive in the setting of adversity and stress, has been identified as an indicator of physician wellness. Resilience is a multidimensional concept that integrates personal factors, such as personality, with previous challenging experiences, leading to positive adaptation.

Simulation Training for Resilience in Various Environments (STRIVE) is an adaptation of a formal resilience curriculum developed by the Department of National Defense in Canada for military personnel. Fundamental skills learned during the course are applied and reinforced through experiential learning with high-fidelity simulation accompanied by effective debriefing.

Physicians-in-training have been identified as a population cohort with a high prevalence of burnout, depersonalization, and fatigue. Research demonstrates that institutional culture on wellbeing has a greater impact on resident satisfaction compared to the area of specialization. Therefore, we propose that institutional curricula and training in physician wellness may improve self-reported resilience in physicians-in-training.

The study will be conducted at London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital in London, Ontario. A total of 60 participants will be recruited from the PGY-1 and PGY-2 residents from the Anesthesia and Emergency Medicine residency programs at the commencement of the academic year 2023.

The study aims to compare self-reported resilience of participants before and after the training, to determine if there is a statistically significant improvement in resilience scores, based on the CD-RISC-10 scores at 3 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All first- and second-year medical residents enrolled in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Anesthesia and Emergency Medicine postgraduate residency programs will be eligible to participate, regardless of age, gender, health status, or race. The respective residency program directors have approved study content and procedure.

Exclusion Criteria:

• None