Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on the Well-Being, Burnout and Stress of Italian Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Healthcare professionals in Italy showed moderate distress levels that did not differ between those beginning Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training before versus after the pandemic, suggesting work-related distress was more influential than the pandemic itself. MBSR training reduced overall distress and fear of COVID-19, but depersonalization increased while emotional exhaustion decreased in one post-pandemic group. Psychological well-being declined with age, and fear of COVID-19 correlated positively with age. The authors propose MBSR as an effective strategy for reducing distress during emergencies and as part of general training for healthcare professionals.

Study at a glance

Abstract

COVID-19 has overwhelmed healthcare systems and increased workload and distress in healthcare professionals (HCPs). The objective of this study was to evaluate baseline distress before and after the pandemic, and the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training on well-being (PGWBI), stress (PSS) and burnout (MBI) in Italian HCPs. Moreover, the “fear of COVID-19” (FCV-19S) questionnaire was administered to HCPs participating in the post-emergency MBSR program. Baseline distress results were moderate in all groups. No differences between baseline distress were observed between the groups of HCPs beginning the MBSR courses in the pre or post pandemic period. Total PGWBI lowered with aging. Additionally, FCV-19S positively correlated with age. MBSR was able to lower distress levels, except for depersonalization, which increased, while emotional exhaustion decreased in the group enrolled in the last post-pandemic MBSR course. Levels of fear of COVID-19 in HCPs significantly decreased after MBSR training. The lack of change in baseline distress over time indicates that it is more influenced by work-related distress than by the pandemic in our HCPs. In view of its beneficial effects on psycho-emotional status, MBSR training may represent an effective strategy to reduce distress in emergency periods as well as an essential part of HCPs’ general training.