Sudarshan Kriya Yoga transformative solution to alleviate burnout among physicians: JAMA

In a groundbreaking randomized clinical trial spanning from November 2021 to March 2022, researchers explored the potential of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) as a solution to alleviate burnout among physicians. The trial compared SKY with stress management education (SME) training, shedding light on the profound impact of this comprehensive yoga breathing and meditation-based program. The findings underscore the potential of SKY when practiced regularly over two months, can be a practical and effective strategy to enhance physician well-being and combat burnout.

The trial results were published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

Physicians, often burdened by high stress levels leading to burnout, face challenges that extend beyond their well-being. The ripple effect touches their families, patients, and the broader healthcare system. Recognizing the urgent need for interventions to enhance physician resilience, the study aimed to determine whether SKY could reduce psychological distress and improve overall wellness.

The trial engaged physicians from Turkey, Germany, and Dubai, offering them either SKY or SME training over 3 days through online group video conference calls. Participants, committed to daily relaxation exercises for two months, were assessed using statistical analysis from March to November 2023.The main study parameters focused on stress and depression, assessed through the 42-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42), along with insomnia measured using the Regensburg Insomnia Scale (RIS), with the primary endpoint set at 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes encompassed anxiety (DASS-42), optimism (Life Orientation Test-Revised [LOT-R]), professional fulfillment, work exhaustion, interpersonal disengagement, and overall burnout evaluated through the Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI). Additionally, self-reported professional errors were examined using the Self-Reported Professional Error Questionnaire.

Findings:    

• Results from the study, involving 129 participants, showcased the tangible benefits of SKY.        
• Participants practicing SKY reported significantly decreased stress, depression, and anxiety compared to those in the SME control group.         
• The improvements were evident both immediately after the training and after the two-month intervention period.        
• Notably, the SKY group exhibited a significant decrease in insomnia and demonstrated increased professional fulfillment.     
• Work exhaustion, interpersonal disengagement, and burnout also saw significant reductions among SKY practitioners.
• Interestingly, there was no observable impact on self-reported medical errors.

The findings suggest that SKY, when practiced regularly over two months, can be a practical and effective strategy to enhance physician well-being and combat burnout. The holistic approach of SKY, encompassing yoga breathing and meditation, appears to address the multifaceted challenges faced by physicians, offering a potential solution to the pervasive issue of burnout in the medical profession.   

Further reading: Korkmaz A, Bernhardsen GP, Cirit B, et al. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga Breathing and a Meditation Program for Burnout Among Physicians: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(1):e2353978. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.53978