Psychological Health and Wellness and the Impact of Six-week and Three-Month Supportive Text Messaging Program (Wellness4MDs) Among Physicians and Medical Learners in Canada.

Abstract

Background: Physicians and medical trainees experience high rates of burnout, anxiety, and depression but often avoid seeking help due to stigma and confidentiality concerns. Objectives: This study aimed to (1) review the prevalence of these mental health conditions and (2) evaluate the impact of Wellness4MDs, a CBT-based supportive text messaging program, on the psychological health and wellness of physicians and medical trainees in Canada. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases including Medline, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. For the intervention, participants received daily CBT-based supportive text messages over three months. Depression, anxiety, burnout, and well-being were assessed at baseline, six weeks, and three months using the PHQ-9, GAD-7, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and WHO-5. Program satisfaction was measured through an online questionnaire. Results: The review showed wide variation in mental health prevalence: burnout (4.7%–90.1% in physicians; 18.3%–94% in residents), anxiety (8%–78.9% in physicians; 10%–63.9% in residents) and depression (4.8%–66.5% in physicians; 7.7%–93% in residents). Among 806 participants enrolled in the intervention, 66 completed assessments at all follow-up points. At three months, emotional exhaustion and anxiety significantly decreased by 16.1% (p = 0.01) and 15.5% (p = 0.05), respectively, with moderate effect sizes. Depression scores did not change significantly. Participants reported high satisfaction (mean = 7.98), with most citing improved well-being and stress coping. Conclusion: These findings underscore the urgent need for accessible mental health support. Wellness4MDs offers a promising, low-cost intervention that complements traditional care and strengthens psychological resilience among healthcare professionals.