Mindfulness and self-care in healthcare professionals: A qualitative metasynthesis

A qualitative metasynthesis of nine articles explored healthcare professionals' experiences with mindfulness practice and self-care. Three main categories emerged, addressing key aspects of mindfulness practice, new awareness of self-care developed after training, and reflections on the program. Healthcare professionals perceived mindfulness positively, noting its role in stress reduction, overall well-being, improved patient care quality, and fostering self-care. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the mechanisms through which mindfulness benefits healthcare workers and underscore its potential to transform the healthcare sector, while emphasizing the need for further research with larger samples.

Study at a glance

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Numerous quantitative studies confirm the positive effects of mindfulness on healthcare professionals. However, recent qualitative research on their experiences and the relationship between mindfulness and self-care remains scarce. Exploring how professionals describe and perceive mindfulness as enhancing their professional self-care is essential. OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of healthcare professionals regarding mindfulness practice and self-care, based on existing qualitative evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative metasynthesis following PRISMA and ENTREQ guidelines was conducted through a systematic search across five databases, resulting in the inclusion of nine articles. RESULTS: Three main categories with five subcategories were identified. These address key aspects of mindfulness practice, the new awareness of self-care developed after training, and reflections on the program. DISCUSSION: Healthcare professionals perceive mindfulness positively, noting its role in stress reduction, overall well-being, improved patient care quality, and fostering self-care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The findings highlight the importance of understanding the mechanisms through which mindfulness benefits healthcare workers. The study underscores its potential to transform the healthcare sector and emphasizes the need for further research with larger samples.