Wellbeing Training Based on Contemplative Practices in a Sample of Intensive Care and Homecare Professionals: A Pilot and Feasibility Non-Randomized Clinical Trial.
Ausiàs Cebolla, Laura Galiana, Jaime Navarrete, David Alvear, Elena Garrote, Noemí Sansó, José V Carmona, Mar Juan, María L Blasco
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health October 12, 2022 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013137 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot and feasibility non-randomized clinical trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 38 |
| Population | Intensive care unit (ICU) and homecare unit professionals |
| Intervention | Wellbeing Training based on Contemplative Practices (WTCP) |
| Duration | 8-session/2 h group program |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Critical care Feasibility studies Pilot projects Empathy Burnout, professional Compassion Contemplative positive psychology Intensive care professionals |
| Key findings | The authors report that Wellbeing Training based on Contemplative Practices had a positive impact on self-compassion, personal accomplishment (burnout), and frequency of negative emotions among ICU and homecare professionals. They characterize these preliminary results as promising and call for randomized controlled trials to evaluate effectiveness. |
Abstract
Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) and homecare unit professionals are susceptible to higher levels of stress and burnout than other healthcare professionals, which has an impact on their well-being, and in turn on their patients. In terms of data, there is not much research about the effects of psychological interventions on ICU and homecare professionals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Wellbeing Training based on Contemplative Practices (WTCP) for the increase of psychological functioning in a sample of ICU and homecare professionals.
Methods: A pilot and feasibility non-randomized clinical trial was conducted. Participants in the WTCP group (n = 19) attended an at-work 8-session/2 h group WTCP program aimed at directly training four basic skills: (a) sustained positive emotions, (b) recovery from negative emotions, (c) pro-social behavior and generosity, and (d) mind wandering, mindfulness, and "affective stickiness". Nineteen professionals were allocated in the control group.
Results: Results indicated that WTCP had a positive impact on self-compassion, personal accomplishment (burnout), and frequency of negative emotions. Moreover, a thematic analysis of participant interviews (n = 14) was conducted.
Conclusions: These preliminary results are promising, though future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of WTCP using randomized controlled trial methodologies.