Hospice and Palliative Care Provider Experiences With Meditation Using Mobile Applications.
Rebecca H Lehto, Carrie Heeter, Marcel Allbritton, Michelle Wiseman
Oncology nursing forum May 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1188/18.onf.380-388 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 11 |
| Population | Healthcare providers from Sparrow Health System in Lansing, Michigan, who participated in a feasibility pilot |
| Topics | Meditation End-of-life distress |
| Keywords | Caregivers Compassion fatigue Mobile app |
| Key findings | Themes included program advantages and limitations, challenges affecting adherence, and support for caregivers. Findings support further evaluation of a technology-mediated meditation program for professional caregivers to reduce perceived stress associated with the work environment. |
Abstract
Healthcare providers who are involved in the care of patients at the end of life are at risk of developing compassion fatigue, a condition characterized by emotional exhaustion and reduced professional engagement. Research has shown that development of a meditation practice can modify stress perceptions and promote quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate perceived benefits, challenges, and recommendations following participation in a workplace mobile application- and email-based meditation research program. 11 healthcare providers who participated in the feasibility pilot were recruited from Sparrow Health System in Lansing, Michigan. Three focus groups and one in-depth interview were conducted. Data were analyzed using qualitative methodology. Major themes included program advantages and limitations, challenges that affected adherence, and support for caregivers. Findings support further evaluation of a technology-mediated meditation program for professional caregivers to reduce perceived stress associated with the work environment.