Evaluating an online four-session loving-kindness and compassion meditation training on improving psychological well-being among healthcare professionals in Hong Kong: a pilot randomised controlled study

Healthcare professionals face high stress and burnout risk. This pilot study tested an online 4-week Loving-kindness and Compassion Meditation (LKCM) training for healthcare workers in Hong Kong. Eighty-two participants were randomly assigned to LKCM or a waitlist. Most (77.5%) attended at least three of four sessions, and over 90% rated the course satisfactory. Overall, no significant differences emerged between groups on psychological outcomes. However, among the 23 participants with moderate or higher baseline stress, LKCM showed immediate benefits: reduced emotional exhaustion, increased personal accomplishment, and greater social connectedness. Online LKCM appears feasible and acceptable, with potential benefits for stressed healthcare professionals.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Healthcare professionals experience great stress and are more susceptible to burnout due to high workloads and complex working procedures. This increases their risk of depression and anxiety, leading to reduced productivity, extra expenses from absenteeism, and diminished quality of care delivery. Loving-kindness and Compassion Meditation (LKCM) has been shown effective at alleviating stress and emotional burnout. This pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of an online 4-weekly-session LKCM training for healthcare professionals in Hong Kong, and initially evaluated its effect on their psychological well-being. Eighty-two healthcare professionals were randomly assigned to either the LKCM training group or a waitlist-control group. Feasibility and acceptance were assessed by intervention completion rate and training evaluation. Participants self-reported their psychological outcomes at baseline, post intervention and at 3 months follow-up. Of the 40 intervention group participants, 77.5% attended at least three out of four classes, with 73.5% and 91.2% of feedback indicating the course was effective and satisfactory overall. Concerning self-reported psychological outcomes, no significant between-group difference was found. However, subgroup analysis of 23 participants who were moderately or more stressed at baseline revealed significant immediate post-intervention benefits in emotional exhaustion (Cohen’s d = −1.05), personal accomplishment (Cohen’s d = 1.07), and social connectedness (Cohen’s d = 0.89) for the intervention group compared to the control group. Preliminary evidence suggested that online LKCM training is feasible and acceptable. It also demonstrated potential immediate beneficial effects in improving psychological well-being, particularly for stressed participants. These findings will guide the design and implementation of larger efficacy studies in the future.