Effects of a Mindfulness Intervention Comprising an App, Web-Based Workshops, and a Workbook on Perceived Stress Among Nurses and Nursing Trainees: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Simone Schönfeld, Ines Rathmer, Maren M. Michaelsen, Cosima Hoetger, Miriam Onescheit, Silke Lange, Lena Werdecker, Tobias Esch
JMIR Research Protocols August 2, 2022 DOI: 10.2196/37195 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial protocol Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Nurses and nursing trainees working in acute inpatient care settings |
| Intervention | 2 web-based workshops |
| Duration | 14-week wait-list period for control group; follow-up surveys at baseline, 10 weeks, 24 weeks, and 38 weeks after allocation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Acute care Health promotion Inpatient Mobile phone Nurses Nursing student Nursing trainee Stress Web-based |
| Key findings | The authors propose a wait-list randomized controlled trial to test whether a digitally supported mindfulness intervention—an app, two web-based workshops, and a workbook—improves perceived stress and health- and work-related outcomes among nurses and nursing trainees in acute inpatient care, with follow-up to 38 weeks and assessment of adherence and acceptability. They contend the program may be a cost-effective, scalable alternative to in-person interventions. |
Abstract
Previous research has found digitally supported mindfulness interventions to be effective when used for stress management among workers in high-stress occupations. Findings on digitally supported mindfulness interventions among nurses working in acute inpatient care settings are heterogeneous, lack long-term follow-up, and do not assess adherence and acceptability. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and efficacy of a digitally supported mindfulness intervention designed to improve health- and work-related outcomes among nurses and nursing trainees working in acute inpatient care settings. We will conduct a multicenter randomized controlled trial using a wait-list control group design. Randomization will be stratified by hospital and job status (nurse or nursing trainee). Recruitment will take place on the web and offline during the working hours of nurses and nursing trainees. The intervention group will receive a digitally supported mindfulness intervention, which will comprise an app, 2 web-based workshops, and a workbook, whereas the wait-list control group will be scheduled to receive the same intervention 14 weeks later. The 2 web-based workshops will be led by a certified mindfulness-based stress reduction trainer. Nurses will use the app and the workbook independently. Self-report web-based surveys will be conducted on the web at baseline, at 10 weeks after allocation, at 24 weeks after allocation, and at 38 weeks after allocation. Outcomes of interest will include perceived stress (primary outcome), health- and work-related variables, and variables related to adherence and acceptability of the digitally supported mindfulness intervention. We will perform intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. Data collection will be completed by the beginning of August 2022. Data analyses will be completed by December 2022. Our study design, including long-term follow-up and the investigation of variables related to adherence and acceptability, will ensure rigorous evaluation of effectiveness and efficacy. Relative to costly in-person intervention efforts, this program may present a cost-effective and potentially highly scalable alternative. Findings regarding effectiveness, efficacy, adherence, and acceptability will inform stakeholders' decisions regarding the implementation of similar interventions to promote the well-being of nurses and nursing trainees, which may, in turn, alleviate detrimental stress-related outcomes (eg, burnout) because of work-related demands. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00025997; https://tinyurl.com/433cas7u. DERR1-10.2196/37195.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- A Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Intervention to Improve Resilience and Mitigate Symptoms of Burnout Syndrome in Critical Care Nurses: Results of a Randomized Trial Open Journal of Nursing August 16, 2021
- Mindfulness-based programmes for mental health promotion in adults in nonclinical settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. PLoS Medicine January 11, 2021
- The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Training on Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Job Satisfaction Among Ward Nurses: A Randomized Control Trial. Journal of Nursing Management May 20, 2020
- The limited prosocial effects of meditation: A systematic review and meta-analysis Scientific Reports February 5, 2018
and 2 more in the library