Mindfulness and compassion-oriented practices at work reduce distress and enhance self-care of palliative care teams: a mixed-method evaluation of an “on the job“ program
BMC Palliative Care July 6, 2017 Claudia L. Orellana‐Rios, Lukas Radbruch, Martina Kern et al. 162 citations
A 10-week mindfulness and compassion-oriented meditation training for 28 interdisciplinary palliative care staff was piloted to reduce distress and foster resilience. Significant improvements occurred in two of three burnout components (emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment), anxiety, stress, two emotional regulation competences, and joy at work. 85% of individual goals were attained. Qualitative data indicated enhanced self-care, mindful pauses in work routines, reduced rumination and distress from patient contact, and improved team communication. The authors suggest the training may be a feasible and effective way to reduce caregiver distress and enhance resources for palliative care teams.