A systematic review of the impact of mindfulness on the well-being of healthcare professionals.
Tim Lomas, Juan Carlos Medina, Itai Ivtzan, Silke Rupprecht, Francisco José Eiroá‐Orosa
Journal of Clinical Psychology March 2018 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22515 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3,805 |
| Population | Healthcare professionals |
| Intervention | Mindfulness meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Healthcare professionals Systematic review Well-being |
| Key findings | Across 81 studies of 3,805 healthcare professionals, mindfulness was generally associated with positive outcomes on measures including burnout, distress, anxiety, depression, and stress, though findings were more equivocal for some outcomes, most notably burnout. The authors conclude that mindfulness does appear to improve healthcare professionals' well-being but that study quality was inconsistent and further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed. |
Abstract
Among efforts to improve the well-being of healthcare professionals are initiatives based around mindfulness meditation. To understand the value of such initiatives, we conducted a systematic review of empirical studies pertaining to mindfulness in healthcare professionals. Databases were reviewed from the start of records to January 2016. Eligibility criteria included empirical analyses of mindfulness and well-being outcomes acquired in relation to practice. 81 papers met the eligibility criteria, comprising a total of 3,805 participants. Studies were principally examined for outcomes such as burnout, distress, anxiety, depression, and stress. Mindfulness was generally associated with positive outcomes in relation to most measures (although results were more equivocal with respect to some outcomes, most notably burnout). Overall, mindfulness does appear to improve the well-being of healthcare professionals. However, the quality of the studies was inconsistent, so further research is needed, particularly high-quality randomized controlled trials.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 48
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being. Journal of Clinical Medicine March 3, 2025
- Contemplative interventions and employee distress: A meta-analysis. Stress and Health March 15, 2019
- Evaluación de una Intervención Mindfulness en Equipos de Cuidados Paliativos Psychosocial Intervention April 24, 2018
- The effect of mindfulness‐based interventions on reducing stress in future health professionals: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being August 1, 2023
- Mindfulness-based interventions for improving mental health of frontline healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. Systematic Reviews June 20, 2024
and 43 more in the library
Cites 40
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- Assessment of Mindfulness by Self-Report Assessment September 1, 2004
- Association of an Educational Program in Mindful Communication With Burnout, Empathy, and Attitudes Among Primary Care Physicians JAMA September 22, 2009
and 35 more in the library