Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Occupational Therapy: A Systematic Review.

Background: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) applied in the field of occupational therapy (OT) have shown promising results, particularly in enhancing emotional well-being, stress regulation, and pain management. However, to the best of our knowledge, a systematic review of the existing research on MBIs in the context of OT is lacking. This review aims to: (1) outline the types and components of MBIs applied in OT; and (2) summarize the current empirical evidence on their effectiveness in OT practice, focusing on health-related and OT-related outcomes.

Methods: Seven databases were searched with key terms related to mindfulness and OT, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsychInfo and Medline. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies published in English covered the period from the inception of the databases to October 2024. Exclusion criteria included articles that were not peer-reviewed, lacked outcome data, or were not applied in OT. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was employed for the systematic review, which included critical appraisal and narrative synthesis.

Results: A total of 10 studies were included in this review. The critical appraisal scores ranged from 50 to 91.67 (mean = 74.31), with RCTs scoring between 50 and 91.67 (mean = 73.33), and quasi-experimental studies between 62.5 to 88.89 (mean = 75.28). The interventions categorized were creative and art-based mindfulness activities (n = 2), structured MBIs (n = 3), and multi-modal MBIs (n = 5). MBIs demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving mental health, particularly overall mental health levels, and may offer potential benefits in promoting activity and participation. However, no significant additional benefits were observed for physical health, cognitive function, or health-related quality of life.

Conclusion: MBIs are evidence-based interventions that can effectively improve mental health, particularly in overall health levels, and may promote activity and participation. Occupational therapists can incorporate approaches, such as creative and art-based mindfulness activities, structured MBIs, and multi-modal MBIs, in their daily practice. Further exploration and integration of these interventions into OT education and practice should be encouraged.