The influence of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the work life of healthcare professionals - A qualitative study.

Healthcare professionals who completed an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course reported changes that included allowing pauses, focusing on one thing at a time, greater awareness of choice, increased self-compassion, and more presence and calmness with patients. They also became more aware of how stressful behavior affects themselves and others and valued practicing mindfulness with colleagues. The findings suggest that such training can shift tendencies from neglecting personal needs toward greater compassion for oneself and others, potentially preventing burnout and fostering a more compassionate workplace culture that may improve patient care. Sustaining these changes may require collective understanding and knowledge of mindfulness in the work setting.

Study at a glance

Abstract

BACKGROUND and purpose: Quantitative studies show that mindfulness-based interventions can reduce stress and burnout in healthcare professionals. Few qualitative studies have explored healthcare professionals' experiences with mindfulness training. The aim of the study was to explore healthcare professionals' experiences of how attending a course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction influenced their work life, including their relationship with patients and colleagues. METHODS Fifty-six healthcare professionals attended a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course between January and June 2022. Participant observation followed by six semi-structured focus group interviews and 15 individual interviews were conducted. Data were collected in a cardiology department and in an obstetrics and gynaecology department. Thematic data analysis was performed. Reporting followed COREQ guidelines. RESULTS Six themes were identified: 1) Allowing a pause and focusing on one thing at a time, 2) Awareness of the freedom to choose, 3) The need for self-compassion, as a prerequisite for taking care of others, 4) The value of presence and calmness in patient encounters, 5) Awareness of how stressful behavior affects oneself and others, 6) The value of practicing mindfulness with colleagues. CONCLUSION This study suggests that offering Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction to healthcare professionals can start a positive process of change from a tendency to neglect personal needs to becoming more compassionate towards oneself and others. Mindfulness training may thus prevent burnout and lead to a more compassionate workplace culture that also manifests in better patient care. However, a collective understanding and knowledge of mindfulness in the work setting may be necessary to sustain these changes.