Purpose
Recent studies highlight a worldwide biomedical and physician-scientist trainee mental health crisis, with data indicating that organizational factors, including interpersonal conflict, moral distress, and job demands contribute significantly to their distress. Traditional curricula focus on research and clinical competencies, with little emphasis on nontechnical skills that would mitigate the impact of these stressors. This study evaluated a novel peer-led group psychoeducational intervention framed in Self-Determination Theory designed for biomedical and physician-scientist learners. The goal of the intervention was to address the basic needs of competence, relatedness, and autonomy through psychoeducation, guided discussion, and skill development, respectively.
Methods
A pre-post survey analysis was conducted to assess resource acquisition and evaluation of the program. Session topics included Work-Life Harmony, Identity Formation, Role Clarity, and Adaptability. We collected data through online survey questionnaires at the beginning and end of each session. Outcomes were measured by Work-Related Basic Need Satisfaction Scale (W-BNS) and Session Wants and Needs Outcome Measure (SWAN-OM). Survey data were pooled for analysis to assess the effectiveness of the program.
Results
We observed an increase in perceived basic need satisfaction through resource acquisition. Trainees reported a positive evaluation of the program, with the majority expressing that the session helped them to feel better, identify ways to help themselves and worry less, explore their feelings, and feel listened to. Additionally, we observed a significant reduction in perceived stress, with most participants expressing that they would come to future sessions.
Conclusion
The described peer-led intervention demonstrates compelling evidence that creating a professionally facilitated safe space enables trainees to connect with and learn from each other, mitigating stress while equipping them with essential skills needed to proactively influence their environments.