Smartphone-delivered, therapist-supported digital health intervention for physicians with burnout

Objective: The aim was to examine change in burnout and depressive symptoms among physicians enrolled in an evidence-based digital health intervention, the Meru Health Program (MHP). Methods: We recruited 27 physicians with evidence of work-related stress as reported from a single-item burnout measure from the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group and enrolled them into an 8-week, smartphone-delivered and therapist-supported program that combines several evidence-based depression treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness meditation. Results: We observed a decrease in burnout (p = 0.049, effect size r = 0.71) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.001, effect size d = -0.9) at post-treatment. Engagement metrics were not significantly associated with outcomes. Conclusion: The MHP, a digital therapist-supported intervention delivered via smartphone application, was found to be a promising intervention for physicians suffering from burnout.