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Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a 4-Week Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Protocol for Hospital Employees

Christina M. Luberto, Rachel S. Wasson, Kristen M. Kraemer, Richard W. Sears, Carly Hueber, Sian Cotton

Mindfulness December 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-017-0718-x (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Mixed-methods practice-based research Qualitative Peer reviewed
Sample size 65
Population Hospital employees
Intervention Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
Duration 4-week intervention
Topics Meditation
Keywords Stress Burnout Hospital employees
Key points A 4-week MBCT program was acceptable to hospital employees and associated with significant reductions in stress and burnout.

Abstract

Hospital employees may experience occupational stress and burnout, which negatively impact quality of life and job performance. Evidence-based interventions implemented within the hospital setting are needed to promote employees’ well-being. We offered a 4-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) group program for hospital employees and used a mixed-methods practice-based research approach to explore feasibility, acceptability, and effects on stress and burnout. Participants were 65 hospital employees ( M _age = 44.06; 85% white) who participated between September 2015 and January 2016. Participants completed validated measures of stress and burnout before and after the program and answered open-ended satisfaction questions after the program. Groups consistently enrolled at least ten participants, but attendance rates declined across sessions (76% at session 2 vs. 54% at session 4) due primarily to work-related scheduling conflicts. The program content was acceptable as evidenced by high perceived value ( M = 9.18 out of 10), homework compliance (51% practicing at least three times/week), and qualitative requests for program expansion. There were large, statistically significant decreases in stress (Δ M = 2.1, p < .001, d = 0.85) and medium decreases in burnout (Δ M = 0.46, p = .01, d = 0.57), which were supported by qualitative themes of improved self-regulation and mindfulness skills, stress reduction, emotional well-being, and improved work productivity and patient care skills. Findings suggest that 4-week MBCT is acceptable and useful for hospital employees, though research is needed to identify alternate delivery methods or strategies to enhance session attendance.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... 2017 Qualitative study with mixed-methods
The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout Nurses in a hospital system 2004 Implementation study with mixed methods
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression Participants in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a mental-health context 2001 Qualitative study n = 7
Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators 2013 Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology

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