Exploring the impact of mindfulness-based training on the well-being of physical therapists.
Akash Patel, Ruchi Bhargava, Gretchen Roman
Journal of Clinical and Translational Science 2023 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.666 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Two-arm embedded mixed-methods pilot study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 13 |
| Population | Physical therapists |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based training |
| Duration | 3 months |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Burnout Physical therapy Reflective writing Well-being |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Physical therapists who completed mindfulness-based training showed improved work engagement, mental health, and reduced moral distress compared to a control group. |
Abstract
Experimental evidence is needed to evaluate interventions that curtail burnout for physical therapists. The goal of this research was to assess the impact of mindfulness-based training (MBT) on the well-being of physical therapists. We hypothesized physical therapists would demonstrate greater work engagement, empathy, and job satisfaction, and lower depression, anxiety, stress, and moral distress following MBT. Thirteen physical therapists (10 female/3 male; 35.38 ± 9.32 years old) completed this two-arm embedded mixed-methods pilot study. The control group (n = 4) was followed while the intervention group (n = 9) completed six MBT sessions over 3 months. Sessions were assigned a representative topic area (meaning in physical therapy, situational- and self-awareness, compassion fatigue/burnout, implicit biases, establishing boundaries and managing conflict, self-care) with relevant reflective writing, small group discussions, and mindfulness strategies. Non-parametric statistics compared quantitative outcomes across and within groups, and a thematic framework matrix was established by way of qualitative description for data analysis. Physical therapists in the intervention group had improved pre- to post-scores for work engagement, mental health, and moral distress (p ≤ 0.043). Inability to effect change contributed to compassion fatigue/burnout, whereas difficulty prioritizing self/limited personal time impeded self-care. "I realized how easy it is to get caught up in life and in helping out those around you, you completely forget to take time to check in with how you are doing (Physical Therapist 3)." Implementing an MBT program demonstrates promise and may benefit the well-being of physical therapists while simultaneously enhancing employee retention and improving patient care.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients | 2003 | Pre-post intervention study | n = 59 |
| Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample | 2010 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students | 2003 | Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study | n = 302 |
| Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls | 2011 | Controlled trial with wait-list control group | n = 60 |
| The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents | 2011 | Within-group waitlist controlled trial | n = 22 |
Citations in the library
Cites 3
- Association of an Educational Program in Mindful Communication With Burnout, Empathy, and Attitudes Among Primary Care Physicians JAMA September 22, 2009
- Effect of an Intensive Mindful Practice Workshop on Patient-Centered Compassionate Care, Clinician Well-Being, Work Engagement, and Teamwork. The Journal of continuing education in the health professions 2022
- Improvement of Interoceptive Processes after an 8-Week Body Scan Intervention. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2017