Amit Sood, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Varun Sharma, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Darrell Schroeder, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Brian Gorman MBBCh, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

To assess the effect of a Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) program for decreasing stress and anxiety and improving quality of life and resilience among Department of Radiology physicians at a tertiary care medical center.

Twenty-six Department of Radiology (DOR) physicians were randomized in a single-blind wait-list controlled clinical trial to either the SMART intervention or a wait-list control group for twelve weeks. The intervention entailed a single 90-minute group session in the SMART program with two follow up phone calls. Primary outcome measures assessed at baseline and week twelve included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Smith Anxiety Scale (SAS), Linear Analog Self Assessment Scale (LASA), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC).

Twenty-two physicians completed the study. A statistically significant improvement in perceived stress, anxiety, overall quality of life and mindfulness at twelve weeks was observed in the study arm compared to the wait-list control arm: PSS (-5.4 ± 4.4 vs. -0.8 ± 4.9, p=0.020); SAS (-11.8 ± 8.8 vs. -2.3 ± 12.8 , p=0.038); LASA (0.6 ± 1.0 vs. -0.6 ± 1.8, p=0.044); MAAS (0.6 ± 0.5 vs. 0.0 ± 0.6, p=0.004). Resilience also improved in the active arm but the changes were not statistically significant.

A single session to decrease stress among radiologists using the SMART program is feasible. Furthermore, the intervention provided statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in stress, anxiety, mindful attention and overall quality of life. Future studies including larger sample size and longer follow up periods are warranted.

Physician distress has become an increasing burden on the personal and professional lives of radiologists. Our study suggests a method of addressing this.

Sood, A, Sharma, V, Schroeder, D, Gorman, B, Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) Program Among Department of Radiology Faculty: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12024780.html