A literature review of interventions for the prevention of empathic distress and burnout in medical trainees

Abstract Empathic distress in medical trainees may evolve into burnout in the workplace. Medical trainees are particularly susceptible. To assist in the development and implementation of effective programs to combat empathic distress, a literature review of the various available interventions aimed at increasing compassion was conducted. An investigation into whether the mindfulness component offered any benefit to the medical trainee was also performed. Twenty relevant studies were identified and analyzed. The results indicated that interventions with a mindfulness-component were effective at improving trainee well-being and compassion, and may have an impact on burnout.