Which educational interventions improve healthcare professionals’ resilience?

Abstract

Introduction: This literature review summarizes the current evidence on educational interventions to develop healthcare worker resilience.

Methods: Electronic databases were systematically searched using the search terms: education OR training OR medical students AND resilience. The initial search was refined using criteria including population (healthcare students and professionals), interventions (educational), and outcome (resilience changes).

Results: Resilience has been defined and measured in various ways. The following educational interventions to develop resilience were identified: resilience workshops, small group problem solving, reflection, cognitive behavioral training, mindfulness and relaxation training, and mentoring.

Conclusions: The strongest evidence was for using resilience workshops, cognitive behavioral training, or a combination of interventions. The literature is sometimes conflicting suggesting that developing resilience is a complex process, and our understanding is not fully developed.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Dr Nick Cooper, Associate Professor, Clinical Education, University of Plymouth Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, and also would like to thank Professor Jannie Hugo, Dr Martin Bac, and Dr Murray Louw, University of Pretoria Department of Family Medicine.

Disclosure statement

The author declares no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced in writing this review.

Notes on contributor

Dr David Rogers, MbChB, MRCGP, FHEA, is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa, and M Clin MedEd Student in the University of Plymouth Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, United Kingdom.