The Implementation of Mindfulness-Based Programs in the Swedish Healthcare System - A Survey Study of Service Providers.
Maria Niemi, Rebecca S. Crane, Jermo Sinselmeijer, Susanne Andermo
Global Advances in Health and Medicine 2021 DOI: 10.1177/21649561211049154 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional online survey (qualitative/quantitative stakeholder survey) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 129 |
| Population | Stakeholders involved in MBP implementation in Swedish healthcare settings, identified through snowball sampling across 20 of Sweden's 21 healthcare regions |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Fidelity Implementation Intervention integrity Mindfulness-based programs |
| Key findings | MBP implementation in Swedish healthcare varies in the models used, and evidence-based program delivery structures are often modified, with some divergence from international guidance on MBP teacher training standards. Implementation occurs mainly in primary care; the most important facilitators were a championing individual and leadership support, while the most influential barriers were lack of time and lack of funding. |
Abstract
The burden of depression and anxiety is on the rise globally. Mindfulness-Based Programs (MBPs) are a particular group of psychosocial programs targeting depression and anxiety. There is growing research and practice interest in MBPs internationally, and they are becoming more commonly implemented in a number of countries' healthcare services. To systematically map the existing provision of MBPs in the Swedish healthcare sector, in order to understand facilitators and barriers to uptake, and so inform future implementation efforts. We assessed the experiences of MBP implementation among relevant stakeholders in Swedish healthcare settings through an online survey. The survey was designed to gather data on (1) the evidence-base of practice being implemented; (2) the context in which implementation was taking place and (3) the process of facilitation. Respondents were identified through snowball sampling of key stakeholders. In total, 129 individuals from 20 of the 21 healthcare regions in Sweden responded to the survey. Our findings showed that there is variation in the types of MBP models being implemented, and that the delivery structure of evidence-based programs were often being modified for implementation. We found some divergence from international guidance on good practice standards for the training of MBP teachers within Swedish implementation processes. The main service context for implementation is primary care; the most important facilitating factors for successful MBP implementation were the presence of a championing individual and support from leadership. The most influential hindering factors for implementation were lack of time, and lack of funding. To support integrity and fidelity of MBP implementation in Sweden, a strategic plan and good practice guidelines seem necessary. Also, an evidence-based stepped care model for implementation may work to ensure intervention fidelity in cases where time and funding constraints permit.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Design Preferences, Routines, and Well-Being of Older Adults Using Voice-Guided Digital Mindfulness: Qualitative Interview Study. JMIR human factors June 3, 2025
- Intervention Fidelity in Mindfulness-Based Research and Practice: Overview of the Special Collection and State of the Field. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health 2025
- The Implementation of Mindfulness-Based Programs in the Swedish Healthcare System-A Qualitative Study. Global Advances in Health and Medicine 2021
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