Factors Influencing Work–Life Balance in Physicians and Advance Practice Clinicians and the Effect of Heartfulness Meditation Conference on Burnout

BackgroundBurnout levels have risen in recent years and satisfaction with work–life balance has decreased. Individual and organizational factors may affect burnout in physicians and advance practice clinicians (APCs). Meditation is a tool to mitigate stress and enhance well-being. In this study, we assessed the factors affecting work–life balance in physicians and APCs. We also measured the impact of Heartfulness meditation conference on burnout.MethodsPhysicians and APCs were surveyed through an abbreviated Maslach burnout inventory (aMBI) to assess the burnout levels and a question to assess the factors influencing work–life balance. Wellness initiatives included either attending a Heartfulness meditation conference or reading a book about burnout and wellness (approximated at a 3-h read). A repeat aMBI survey was sent 8 weeks after the conference. Pre- and postburnout scores were assessed.ResultsOf the 1393 physicians and APCs, 537 responded to the aMBI, and there were 414 comments (663 factors) for th...