FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Journal of medical education and curricular development2021; 8; 23821205211016492; doi: 10.1177/23821205211016492

Outcomes of an Equine Assisted Learning Curriculum to Support Well-Being of Medical Students and Residents.

Abstract: Objectives of this study were to evaluate an equine assisted learning (EAL) curriculum designed for medical students and resident physicians, and to determine impacts of the curriculum on participant perceptions of burnout and well-being. The EAL curriculum incorporated evidence-based skills and concepts to increase happiness and/or resilience. A pre/post intervention design was used, with 18 EAL participants receiving the curriculum within their month-long community based primary care clerkship elective, and 10 control (CTL) participants who did not receive the curriculum within their clerkship elective. Three waves of surveys tested participant responses before, immediately after, and 3 months after the intervention. Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) screened for depression and anxiety, and Maslach Burnout Inventory- Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI) addressed burnout. Analysis of covariance evaluated differences between EAL and CTL groups. EAL participants rated the curriculum highly (9.2 on a 10-point scale). The evaluations were overwhelmingly positive with participants able to identify key concepts that were most helpful, how they would apply those concepts to patient care and interactions with colleagues, and how the horses added value to their learning experience. Significant positive effects of EAL on burnout were identified in terms of improved MBI personal achievement scores, as well as a trend towards improved well-being scores. There was also a trend ( < .08) towards PHQ-4 depression scores to be lower in EAL group at T3. In conclusion, this study is the first to provide AU: quantitative evidence of positive outcomes associated with an EAL curriculum designed to strengthen well-being in medical students and resident physicians.
© The Author(s) 2021.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2021-07-26 PubMed ID: 34368453PubMed Central: PMC8317249DOI: 10.1177/23821205211016492Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses the efficacy of an equine assisted learning (EAL) program on improving well-being and reducing burnout in medical students and resident physicians. Findings of the study reveal that the program had a significant positive impact on burnout levels and a trend towards improved well-being scores.

Study Design and Objectives

  • The primary aim of this research was to evaluate an Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program, specifically designed for medical students and resident physicians. The study endeavored to assess the influence of the curriculum on the participant’s perception of burnout and general well-being.
  • The EAL curriculum was built upon evidence-based methods and concepts that are known to enhance happiness and resilience.
  • The design of the study was pre/post-intervention, where 18 participants who received EAL during their community-based primary care clerkship elective were compared to 10 control participants who did not partake in the EAL program.

Methodology and Tools

  • Participant responses were measured at three different intervals – before the treatment, immediately after, and three months post-intervention.
  • The study utilized the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) to screen for depression and anxiety, while the Maslach Burnout Inventory- Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI) was used to assess burnout levels.
  • An Analysis of covariance was carried out to establish differences between the EAL and control groups.

Outcomes and Findings

  • The study found that the EAL participants rated the curriculum highly (9.2 on a 10-point scale) illustrating a positive reception of the curriculum.
  • The results demonstrated that EAL had a significant positive impact on burnout levels, evidenced by improved MBI personal achievement scores, and a trend towards improved well-being scores.
  • The study indicated a marginal trend towards lower PHQ-4 depression scores for the EAL group.
  • Importantly, the participants noted the added value of interaction with horses to their learning experience.
  • Participants were able to identify key concepts that proved most helpful and how they would apply them in patient care and interactions with colleagues.

Conclusions

  • This study served as the initial quantitative evidence of positive outcomes linked with an EAL curriculum designed to bolster well-being in medical students and resident physicians.

Cite This Article

APA
Artz NL, Robbins J, Millman ST. (2021). Outcomes of an Equine Assisted Learning Curriculum to Support Well-Being of Medical Students and Residents. J Med Educ Curric Dev, 8, 23821205211016492. https://doi.org/10.1177/23821205211016492

Publication

Journal of medical education and curricular development
ISSN: 2382-1205
NlmUniqueID: 101690298
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 8
Pages: 23821205211016492
PII: 23821205211016492

Researcher Affiliations

Artz, Nicole L
  • UnityPoint Health, Des Moines, IA, USA.
Robbins, Jesse
  • Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
Millman, Suzanne T
  • Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The primary author, Dr. Artz was an employee of UnityPoint Health at the time of the study, who funded the first year of the equine assisted learning curriculum.

References

This article includes 44 references
  1. nACGME. Improving Physician Well-Being, Restoring Meaning in Medicine. 2021.
  2. Dyrbye LN, West CP, Satele D, Boone S, Tan L, Sloan J, Shanafelt TD. Burnout among U.S. medical students, residents, and early career physicians relative to the general U.S. population.. Acad Med 2014 Mar;89(3):443-51.
    pubmed: 24448053doi: 10.1097/acm.0000000000000134google scholar: lookup
  3. Dyrbye LN, Thomas MR, Massie FS, Power DV, Eacker A, Harper W, Durning S, Moutier C, Szydlo DW, Novotny PJ, Sloan JA, Shanafelt TD. Burnout and suicidal ideation among U.S. medical students.. Ann Intern Med 2008 Sep 2;149(5):334-41.
    pubmed: 18765703doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-149-5-200809020-00008google scholar: lookup
  4. Rotenstein LS, Ramos MA, Torre M, Segal JB, Peluso MJ, Guille C, Sen S, Mata DA. Prevalence of Depression, Depressive Symptoms, and Suicidal Ideation Among Medical Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. JAMA 2016 Dec 6;316(21):2214-2236.
    pmc: PMC5613659pubmed: 27923088doi: 10.1001/jama.2016.17324google scholar: lookup
  5. Dyrbye LN, Massie FS Jr, Eacker A, Harper W, Power D, Durning SJ, Thomas MR, Moutier C, Satele D, Sloan J, Shanafelt TD. Relationship between burnout and professional conduct and attitudes among US medical students.. JAMA 2010 Sep 15;304(11):1173-80.
    pubmed: 20841530doi: 10.1001/jama.2010.1318google scholar: lookup
  6. Jackson ER, Shanafelt TD, Hasan O, Satele DV, Dyrbye LN. Burnout and Alcohol Abuse/Dependence Among U.S. Medical Students.. Acad Med 2016 Sep;91(9):1251-6.
    pubmed: 26934693doi: 10.1097/acm.0000000000001138google scholar: lookup
  7. Panagioti M, Geraghty K, Johnson J, Zhou A, Panagopoulou E, Chew-Graham C, Peters D, Hodkinson A, Riley R, Esmail A. Association Between Physician Burnout and Patient Safety, Professionalism, and Patient Satisfaction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.. JAMA Intern Med 2018 Oct 1;178(10):1317-1331.
    pmc: PMC6233757pubmed: 30193239doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.3713google scholar: lookup
  8. Tawfik DS, Profit J, Morgenthaler TI, Satele DV, Sinsky CA, Dyrbye LN, Tutty MA, West CP, Shanafelt TD. Physician Burnout, Well-being, and Work Unit Safety Grades in Relationship to Reported Medical Errors.. Mayo Clin Proc 2018 Nov;93(11):1571-1580.
    pmc: PMC6258067pubmed: 30001832doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.05.014google scholar: lookup
  9. Bradburn N. The Structure of Psychological Well-Being. 1969.
  10. Dodge R, Daly AP, Huyton J, Sanders LD. The challenge of defining wellbeing. Int J Wellbeing 2012;2:222-235.
  11. Achor S. The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology that Fuel Success and Performance at Work. 2010.
  12. Emmons R. Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier. 2008.
  13. Kabat-Zinn J, Massion AO, Kristeller J, Peterson LG, Fletcher KE, Pbert L, Lenderking WR, Santorelli SF. Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders.. Am J Psychiatry 1992 Jul;149(7):936-43.
    pubmed: 1609875doi: 10.1176/ajp.149.7.936google scholar: lookup
  14. Hofmann SG, Sawyer AT, Witt AA, Oh D. The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on anxiety and depression: A meta-analytic review.. J Consult Clin Psychol 2010 Apr;78(2):169-83.
    pmc: PMC2848393pubmed: 20350028doi: 10.1037/a0018555google scholar: lookup
  15. Davidson RJ, Kabat-Zinn J, Schumacher J, Rosenkranz M, Muller D, Santorelli SF, Urbanowski F, Harrington A, Bonus K, Sheridan JF. Alterations in brain and immune function produced by mindfulness meditation.. Psychosom Med 2003 Jul-Aug;65(4):564-70.
    pubmed: 12883106doi: 10.1097/01.psy.0000077505.67574.e3google scholar: lookup
  16. Lavretsky H, Epel ES, Siddarth P, Nazarian N, Cyr NS, Khalsa DS, Lin J, Blackburn E, Irwin MR. A pilot study of yogic meditation for family dementia caregivers with depressive symptoms: effects on mental health, cognition, and telomerase activity.. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2013 Jan;28(1):57-65.
    pmc: PMC3423469pubmed: 22407663doi: 10.1002/gps.3790google scholar: lookup
  17. Alda M, Puebla-G M, Rodero B, Demarzo M, Montero-Marin J, Roca M, Garcia-Campayo J. Zen meditation, Length of Telomeres, and the Role of Experiential Avoidance and Compassion.. Mindfulness (N Y) 2016;7:651-659.
    pmc: PMC4859856pubmed: 27217844doi: 10.1007/s12671-016-0500-5google scholar: lookup
  18. Thimmapuram J, Pargament R, Sibliss K, Grim R, Risques R, Toorens E. Effect of heartfulness meditation on burnout, emotional wellness, and telomere length in health care professionals.. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect 2017 Jan;7(1):21-27.
    pmc: PMC5463663pubmed: 28634520doi: 10.1080/20009666.2016.1270806google scholar: lookup
  19. Shapiro SL, Schwartz GE, Bonner G. Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on medical and premedical students.. J Behav Med 1998 Dec;21(6):581-99.
    pubmed: 9891256doi: 10.1023/a:1018700829825google scholar: lookup
  20. Williams D, Tricomi G, Gupta J, Janise A. Efficacy of burnout interventions in the medical education pipeline.. Acad Psychiatry 2015 Feb;39(1):47-54.
    pubmed: 25034955doi: 10.1007/s40596-014-0197-5google scholar: lookup
  21. nBrandt A. The Impact of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapy (EAAT) on Depression. Creative Components 2019.
  22. nU.S. Department of Justice. Standards for accessible design – service animals. 2010.
  23. Basile R. The psychological effects of equine facilitated psychotherapy on behavior and self-esteem in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sci J Therapeutic Riding 1997;3:10-15.
  24. Bizub AL, Joy A, Davidson L. "It's like being in another world": demonstrating the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with psychiatric disability.. Psychiatr Rehabil J 2003 Spring;26(4):377-84.
    pubmed: 12739908doi: 10.2975/26.2003.377.384google scholar: lookup
  25. Burgon H. Case studies of adults receiving horse riding therapy. Anthrozoos 2003;16:263-276.
  26. Boshoff C, Grobler H, Nienaber A. The evaluation of an equine-assisted therapy programme with a group of boys in a youth care facility. J Psychol Afr 2015;25:86-90.
  27. Frederick KE, Ivey Hatz J, Lanning B. Not Just Horsing Around: The Impact of Equine-Assisted Learning on Levels of Hope and Depression in At-Risk Adolescents.. Community Ment Health J 2015 Oct;51(7):809-17.
    pubmed: 25698076doi: 10.1007/s10597-015-9836-xgoogle scholar: lookup
  28. Jarrell N. A healing triangle: clients learn much about themselves through equine-assisted therapy. Addict Professional 2009;7:15-20.
  29. Adams C, Arratoon C, Boucher J, Cartier G, Chalmers D, Dell CA, Dell D, Dryka D, Duncan R, Dunn K, Hopkins C, Longclaws L, MacKinnon T, Sauve E, Spence S, Wuttunee M. The Helping Horse: How Equine Assisted Learning Contributes to the Wellbeing of First Nations Youth in Treatment for Volatile Substance Misuse.. Hum Anim Interact Bull 2015 Jun;1(1):52-75.
    pmc: PMC4716821pubmed: 26793794
  30. Wood WH, Fields BE. Hippotherapy: a systematic mapping review of peer-reviewed research, 1980 to 2018.. Disabil Rehabil 2021 May;43(10):1463-1487.
    pubmed: 31491353doi: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1653997google scholar: lookup
  31. Klontz BT, Bivens A, Leinart D. The effectiveness of equine-assisted experiential therapy: results of an open clinical trial. SOAN 2007;15:257-267.
  32. Kendall E, Maujean A, Pepping CA. A systematic review of the efficacy of equine-assisted interventions on psychological outcomes. Eur J Psychother Couns 2015;17:57-79.
  33. Dugard P, Todman J. Analysis of pre-test-post-test control group designs in educational research. Educ Psychol 1995;15:181-198.
  34. O'Connell NS, Dai L, Jiang Y, Speiser JL, Ward R, Wei W, Carroll R, Gebregziabher M. Methods for Analysis of Pre-Post Data in Clinical Research: A Comparison of Five Common Methods.. J Biom Biostat 2017 Feb 24;8(1):1-8.
    pmc: PMC6290914pubmed: 30555734doi: 10.4172/2155-6180.1000334google scholar: lookup
  35. Kohanov L. The Power of the Herd: A Nonpredatory Approach to Social Intelligence, Leadership, and Innovation. 2013.
  36. Kohanov L. The Five Roles of a Master Herder: A Revolutionary Model for Socially Intelligent Leadership. 2016.
  37. Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB, Löwe B. An ultra-brief screening scale for anxiety and depression: the PHQ-4.. Psychosomatics 2009 Nov-Dec;50(6):613-21.
    pubmed: 19996233doi: 10.1176/appi.psy.50.6.613google scholar: lookup
  38. Maslach C, Jackson SE. The measurement of experienced burnout. J Occup Behav 1981;2:99-113.
  39. Erschens R, Keifenheim KE, Herrmann-Werner A, Loda T, Schwille-Kiuntke J, Bugaj TJ, Nikendei C, Huhn D, Zipfel S, Junne F. Professional burnout among medical students: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis.. Med Teach 2019 Feb;41(2):172-183.
    pubmed: 29656675doi: 10.1080/0142159x.2018.1457213google scholar: lookup
  40. Knapp TR, Schafer WD. From gain score t to ANCOVA F (and vice versa). Pract Assess Res Eval 2009;14:6.
  41. Dimitrov DM, Rumrill PD Jr. Pretest-posttest designs and measurement of change.. Work 2003;20(2):159-65.
    pubmed: 12671209
  42. Walsh KM, Blakeney BA. Nurse presence enhanced through Equus.. J Holist Nurs 2013 Jun;31(2):121-8.
    pubmed: 23348555doi: 10.1177/0898010112474721google scholar: lookup
  43. Connolly M. Some like it mild and not too wet: the influence of weather on subjective well-being. J Happiness Stud 2011;14:457-473.
  44. Zhou AY, Panagioti M, Esmail A, Agius R, Van Tongeren M, Bower P. Factors Associated With Burnout and Stress in Trainee Physicians: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.. JAMA Netw Open 2020 Aug 3;3(8):e2013761.
    pmc: PMC7435345pubmed: 32809031doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.13761google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 100,113 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.