Evaluation of a Five-Minute Meditation Intervention During Weekly Palliative Care Clinical Rounds.
Alyssa A Gonzalez, Gladys Janice Jimenez-Torres, Bryan M Fellman, Alejandro Chaoul, Eduardo Bruera
Journal of Palliative Medicine April 26, 2025 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2024.0562 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 23 |
| Population | Palliative care clinicians |
| Intervention | five-minute group meditation |
| Topics | Meditation End-of-life distress |
| Keywords | Burnout Palliative care Wellness |
| Key findings | Participation in a five-minute group meditation during rounds was associated with perceived stress reduction and control, and satisfaction with meditation. |
Abstract
Introduction: Palliative care professionals experience high levels stress and burnout. Meditation improves stress and well-being, with group interventions more promising than individual-level efforts. This study assessed participation, satisfaction, helpfulness, and integration of a five-minute group meditation during weekly educational rounds.
Methods: Seventy clinicians were invited to complete an anonymous Qualtrics survey assessing study variables. Responses were analyzed using variations of t-tests, ANOVAs, chi-squared tests, and regression analyses in IBM SPSS (Version 23).
Results: Twenty-three clinicians (59%) reported participation in meditation during rounds, with no significant differences by gender or years worked. Twenty-one respondents also engaged in meditation at least weekly outside of rounds (54%), averaging 53 minutes (n = 21) a week, and doing so mostly after work hours (n = 18, 72%). Participation was associated with perceived stress reduction and control, and satisfaction with meditation (odds ratio: 1.46 [95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.13], p = 0.05). Clinicians in psychosocial roles showed no different engagement outside of rounds, and those less engaged did not report greater time-related barriers.
Discussion: Most round attendants participated in the five-minute meditation, perceived it as useful, and reported use after rounds. Findings justify further research to better characterize its potential in enhancing well-being.