Efficacy and Acceptability of Digital and Web-Based Interventions for Stress and Burnout Among Physicians: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective

The authors aimed to evaluate the efficacy of digital and web-based interventions in reducing stress and burnout among physicians and to examine the acceptability of such interventions among physicians.

Methods

A systematic search of PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE, the Cochrane CENTRAL register, and three grey literature sources was conducted from inception to May 8, 2024. Controlled and uncontrolled studies evaluating digital or web-based interventions targeting stress or burnout in qualified physicians were included. Screening, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment (RoB-2 and ROBINS-I tools) were independently conducted by two reviewers.

Results

Twenty-one studies were included in the review. Interventions included digital mindfulness/meditation (n = 8), web-based coaching (n = 5), online learning modules (n = 4), activity prompts (n = 3), and reflective groups (n = 1), with variation in their content and duration. The meta-analysis identified a statistically significant reduction in burnout scores with low heterogeneity (18 comparisons: SMD = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.18, 0.41, p < 0.0001, I² = 21%), while the pre-post stress intervention data identified a significant reduction in stress scores with high heterogeneity (7 comparisons: SMD = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.21, 0.89, p < 0.01, I² = 33%). The between-groups meta-analysis of ten randomised controlled trials found a significant reduction in burnout scores with moderate heterogeneity (10 comparisons: SMD = −0.34, 95% CI = −0.54, −0.14, p < 0.005, I² = 55%).

Conclusions

Digital and web-based interventions show promise for reducing physician stress and burnout, though current evidence is limited by small sample sizes, study design heterogeneity, and high attrition.