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Mindfulness based stress reduction for medical students: optimising student satisfaction and engagement.

Declan Aherne, Katie Farrant, Louise Hickey, Emma Hickey, Lisa McGrath, Deirdre McGrath

BMC Medical Education August 18, 2016 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-016-0728-8 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Mixed methods pre and post study Peer reviewed
Sample size 228
Population 1st year (compulsory) and 2nd year (optional) Graduate Entry Medical School students
Intervention Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
Duration 7 week MBSR course
Topics Meditation
Keywords Doctor burnout Medical undergraduate Self-care Stress reduction Student satisfaction
Key points Year 1 students in the compulsory MBSR course were less satisfied with content and learning outcomes than Year 2 students in the optional course (p < .0005). The authors report that the MBSR course was associated with high satisfaction and positive feedback when delivered on an optional basis, and argue that catering to individual needs and promoting a safe environment are core elements of a successful self-care programme.

Abstract

Medical practitioners and students are at increased risk of a number of personal and psychological problems. Stress and anxiety due to work-load and study requirements are common and self-care methods are important in maintaining well-being. The current study examines perceptions of and satisfaction ratings with a mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) programme for 1(st) year (compulsory) and 2(nd) year (optional) Graduate Entry Medical School students. A mixed method pre and post study of Year 1 (n = 140) and Year 2 (n = 88) medical students completing a 7 week MBSR course compared student satisfaction ratings. Thematic analysis of feedback from the students on their perception of the course was also carried out. Year 1 students (compulsory course) were less satisfied with content and learning outcomes than Year 2 students (optional course) (p < .0005). Thematic analysis of year 1 student feedback identified themes including great concept, poorly executed; and less discussion, more practice. Year 2 themes included session environment and satisfaction with tutors. The MBSR course was associated with high levels of satisfaction and positive feedback when delivered on an optional basis. Catering for the individual needs of the participant and promoting a safe environment are core elements of a successful self-care programme.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... 2017 Qualitative study with mixed-methods
The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout Nurses in a hospital system 2004 Implementation study with mixed methods
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression Participants in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a mental-health context 2001 Qualitative study n = 7
Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators 2013 Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology

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