scholarly journals Mindfulness-Based Medical Practice: Exploring the Link between Self-Compassion and Wellness

Author(s):  
Julie Anne Irving ◽  
Patricia L Dobkin ◽  
Jeeseon Park-Saltzman ◽  
Marilyn R. Fitzpatrick ◽  
Tom A Hutchinson

Objectives: In light of the detrimental impact of burnout upon clinicians and their patients, the identification of means through which the well-being of health care professionals can be fostered and protected is timely and important.  The present study explored outcomes associated with participation in Mindfulness-Based Medical Practice (MBMP), a program modeled after Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction which included additional mindful communication exercises to foster the integration of mindfulness in various clinical settings.Methods: Physicians, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers enrolled in the 8-week MBMP program.  Participants (N = 110) between the age of 24 and 82 years (M = 46.5, SD = 11.4: 73% women) completed self-report measures prior to and following the program; the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale-10 and the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being. Two process measures designed to capture mechanisms of change were administered: the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, and the Neff Self-Compassion Scale.Results: Results from paired-sample t-tests indicated that health care professionals enrolled in MBMP can benefit from the program. Analyses demonstrated significant decreases upon measures of perceived stress [p= .000], emotional exhaustion [p= .000], depersonalization [p= .000], and an increase in personal accomplishment [p= .000] as well as mindfulness [p=.000], self-compassion [p= .000], and well-being [p= .000].  Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that change scores on perceived stress (Beta = -1.46, p LT 0.000) and self-compassion (Beta = 9.02, p LT 0.006) predicted changes in well-being in this sample. Additionally, participants rate perceived importance of having taken part in the course using a Likert-scale from 1-10 (M=8.5, SD = 1.51).Conclusions: This study suggests that for health care professionals enrolled in MBMP may experience a variety of benefits associated with participation in the program. Further, increases in self-compassion may hold particular implications for well-being in this population.

Author(s):  
Shimaa A. Elghazally ◽  
Atef F. Alkarn ◽  
Hussein Elkhayat ◽  
Ahmed K. Ibrahim ◽  
Mariam Roshdy Elkhayat

Background: burnout syndrome is a serious and growing problem among medical staff. Its adverse outcomes not only affect health-care providers’ health, but also extend to their patients, resulting in bad-quality care. The COVID-19 pandemic puts frontline health-care providers at greater risk of psychological stress and burnout syndrome. Objectives: this study aimed to identify the levels of burnout among health-care professionals currently working at Assiut University hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: the current study adopted an online cross-sectional design using the SurveyMonkey® website for data collection. A total of 201 physicians were included and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) scale was used to assess the three burnout syndrome dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Results: about one-third, two-thirds, and one-quarter of the respondents had high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment, respectively. Younger, resident, and single physicians reported higher burnout scores. The personal accomplishment score was significantly higher among males. Those working more than eight hours/day and dealing with COVID-19 patients had significantly higher scores. Conclusion: during the COVID-19 pandemic, a high prevalence of burnout was recorded among physicians. Age, job title, working duration, and working hours/day were significant predictors for burnout syndrome subscale results. Preventive and interventive programs should be applied in health-care organizations during pandemics.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iram Osman ◽  
Shaista Hamid ◽  
Veena S. Singaram

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, health professionals were pushed to the front line of a global health crisis unprepared and resource constrained, which affected their mental well-being.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a brief online mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on stress and burnout for health professionals training and working in South Africa during the COVID-19 crisis.Setting: The context of the study is the overburdened, under-resourced health care system in South Africa during a global pandemic.Methods: A mixed method framework was adopted for this study. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive analysis and the participants’ qualitative experiences were interpreted using interpretative phenomenological analysis.Results: Forty-seven participants took part in this study. The study found a statistically significant (p 0.05) reduction in stress levels and emotional exhaustion as well as an increase in mindful awareness and feelings of personal accomplishment after the intervention. The participants’ shared experiences were analysed in two parts. The pre-intervention analysis presented with central themes of loss of control and a sense of powerlessness because of COVID-19. The post-intervention analysis comprised themes of a sense of acquired control and empowerment through increased mindfulness.Conclusions: The study found that a brief online MBI can be associated with reduced levels of stress and burnout as well as an increased sense of control and empowerment, felt both personally and professionally, during a global crisis.Contribution: The impact of an online MBI for health care professionals amidst a pandemic has not been previously documented.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 207-216
Author(s):  
W. Khechine ◽  
F. Ezzaairi ◽  
J. Sahli ◽  
I. Belaid ◽  
A. Daldoul ◽  
...  

Introduction: Burn-out is defined as a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and diminished self-achievement that affects individuals exposed to chronic occupational stress. Physicians and caregivers faced with the death of their patients, such as oncology, are particularly vulnerable to this syndrome. Objectives: To evaluate the burn-out of medical professionals in medical oncology, to research the predisposing factors and to analyze the functional complaints and the behavior of the staff associated with this syndrome. Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study among medical oncology professionals practicing in public hospitals in the Tunisian territory who exercise more than two years in oncology; with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Results: Our study population was predominantly female (81%). 53% are doctors and 47% are paramedical health care professionals. A high degree of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal achievement were found in 63%, 53% and 59% in our population, respectively. With 21% global high burn-out. The female sex was associated with high emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment as well as global burn-out. This burn-out was attributed to factors associated with working conditions and professional climate, mainly: overwork, poor organization of service, lack of resources and time, lack of recognition, lack of communication, lack of respect, conflicts with colleagues, report unsatisfactory salary effort and aggressions by patients and their families. Functional complaints and health care professional’s behavior associated with burn-out were: feelings of sadness, blockage, and irritability, sleep disorders, unexplained pain, epigastralgia, addictive behaviors, psychotropic consumption, suicidal thoughts, decreased performance and desire for a job transfer. Conclusions: By its impact on professionals, burn-out in medical oncology represents a major threat to the quality of health care. Its etiologies, although complex and intricate, are well known. Its prevention and its support are possible, but involve mobilization at all levels.


2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel J Bretland ◽  
Einar B Thorsteinsson

Objectives. With 43% of Australians experiencing occupational burnout therapies for burnout reduction are paramount to organisational efficiency. Exercise has potential to provide a multilevel and cost effective burnout intervention. The current study aims to extend the literature by comparing cardiovascular with resistance exercise to assess their relative effectiveness against well-being, perceived stress, and burnout. Design. Participants were 49 (36 females and 13 males) previously inactive volunteers ranging in age from 19 to 68 that completed a four week exercise program of either cardiovascular, resistance, or no exercise (control). Method. Participants were measured against the Subjective Exercise Experience Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results. After four weeks of exercise participants had greater positive well-being and personal accomplishment, and concomitantly less psychological distress, perceived stress, and emotional exhaustion. Cardiovascular exercise was found to increase well-being and decrease psychological distress, perceived stress, and emotional exhaustion. Resistance training was noticeably effective in increasing well-being and personal accomplishment and to reduce perceived stress. Our preliminary findings revealed large effect sizes suggesting that exercise may be an effective treatment for burnout. However, given a small sample size further research needs to be conducted. Conclusion. Different types of exercise may thus help protect against burnout as exercise seems to increase well-being and personal accomplishment while decreasing psychological distress, perceived stress, and emotional exhaustion. Organisations that want to address burnout can assist by improving their employees’ access to regular exercise programs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 7512515315p1-7512515315p1
Author(s):  
Susan M. Knier ◽  
Julie L. Watson ◽  
Jennifer O’Connor Duffy

Abstract Date Presented 04/22/21 Health care professionals are vulnerable to stress overload and risks that threaten health and well-being. This study investigated the impact of mindful self-compassion (MSC) training on people working in health care. Overall, self-compassion and subscale scores showed significant improvement. Participants indicated that self-compassion and positive mind states were integrated into their lives. OTs could assimilate MSC as an adjunct approach for their clients and their selves. Primary Author and Speaker: Susan M. Knier


Author(s):  
Massimiliano Barattucci ◽  
Anna Maria Padovan ◽  
Ermanno Vitale ◽  
Venerando Rapisarda ◽  
Tiziana Ramaci ◽  
...  

Changes in the health care environment, together with specific work-related stressors and the consequences on workers’ health and performance, have led to the implementation of prevention strategies. Among the different approaches, those which are mindfulness-based have been institutionally recommended with an indication provided as to their effectiveness in the management of stress. The aim of the present study was to analyze the efficacy of the mindfulness-based IARA Model® (an Italian acronym translatable into meeting, compliance, responsibility, autonomy) in order to ameliorate perceived stress, anxiety and enhance emotional regulation among health care professionals (HCPs; i.e., doctors, nurses, and healthcare assistants). Four hundred and ninety-seven HCPs, 215 (57.2%) of which were women, were randomly assigned to a mindfulness-based training or control group and agreed to complete questionnaires on emotion regulation difficulties (DERS), anxiety, and perceived stress. Results showed that HCPs who attended the IARA training, compared to the control group, had better emotional regulation, anxiety and stress indices after 6 months from the end of the intervention. Furthermore, the results confirmed the positive relationship between emotional regulation, perceived stress and anxiety. The present study contributes to literature by extending the effectiveness of IARA in improving emotional regulation and well-being in non-clinical samples. Moreover, the study provides support for the idea that some specific emotional regulation processes can be implicated in perceived stress and anxiety. From the application point of view, companies should invest more in stress management intervention, monitoring and training, in order to develop worker skills, emotional self-awareness, and relational resources.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 74 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.H. Davis ◽  
S.E.M. Hill ◽  
P. Fisher ◽  
T. Nick ◽  
Wendy L. Ward

Background: Physician stress is at a heightened level in the midst of a changing health care environment and limited research funding conditions. Burnout of physicians has an impact on their personal health, related institutional health care costs, retention of quality faculty, and patient care and safety. The present study was designed to assess levels of burnout and sources of stress in clinical, educational, and research faculty working in a Department of Pediatrics and a large Children’s Hospital setting.Methods: The self-report Maslach Burnout Inventory was given to the 240 faculty members in a large Department of Pediatrics based at a Children’s Hospital as part of a larger faculty development needs survey designed to inform faculty development programming. Participation in the survey was voluntarily, and was presented during a mandatory faculty meeting and then emailed to all faculty so those who were unable to attend could participate. A brief survey on sources of stress, stress-related illness, and wellness programming needs was also administered.Results: Out of the 240 faculty members, 86 surveys were collected and analyzed (36% response rate). 52% were female, 84% were Caucasian. Rank of respondents appeared fairly consistent with overall Departmental distribution (40% Assistant, 22% Associate, 34% Full, 4% Instructor). 48% of respondents were Clinical Educators, with 18% Basic Scientists, 17% Clinical Attendings, and 16% Clinical Scientists, also fairly consistent with overall Departmental distributions. Results suggest 65% of faculty endorse high levels of emotional exhaustion, 56% high levels of depersonalization, and 100% felt low levels of personal accomplishment. According to Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) cutoff criteria, 94% of respondents were above the cutoff for Burnout, much higher than recent, published national norms. The most frequently identified top stressors were: lack of connectedness to the institution, administrative responsibilities, time conflicts, clinical workload and general workload. The most frequently identified top stress symptoms experienced were: mood issues, health-related behaviors, and psychosomatic symptoms.Conclusions: Burnout rates at this institution are higher than national norms. From the data collected, faculty development programs to address coping with burnout and prevention such as strategies to promote resilience to stress will be provided. Faculty will be periodically provided with currently available sources of individual and group support and these will be easily available on the internal website. Institutional changes that may affect burnout rates should also be considered.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Z Terzic-Supic ◽  
G Trajkovic ◽  
K Camagic ◽  
J Todorovic ◽  
V Djordjevic ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Recent studies reported there is a high prevalence of burnout syndrome in healthcare workers and particularly among mental health professionals. The aim of this study was to examine the burnout syndrome in the tertiary level psychiatric hospital and potential factors associated with it. Methods This study was conducted as a cross sectional study, during September 2017 in Clinic for psychiatric disorders “Dr Laza Lazarevic” Belgrade, Serbia. The study included 159 health care professionals. Instrument used consisted of section on socio-demographic characteristics, linguistically adapted Serbian versions of Maslach Burnout Inventory - General Survey (MBI-GS) with three subscales (emotional exhaustion-EE, depersonalization- DP, low personal accomplishment-PA) and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). Results The mean age of the participants was 42.46±10.2 years (the youngest participant was 20 years old, and the oldest was 65 years old). In the overall sample, almost 70% of respondents were educated nurse-technicians. The physicians had the highest values on the EE and DP scale and the lowest values on PA scale: physicians- EE scale: 24.86 ± 15.27, DP scale: 4.29 ± 5.77, PA scale: 37.19 ± 9.77 vs. nurses: EE scale: 17.70 ± 13.58, DP scale: 4.07 ± 6.15, PA scale: 32.56 ± 16.62 vs. health associates: EE scale: 15.54 ± 5.85, DP scale: 3.18 ± 3.43, PA scale: 37.00 ± 6.53. The score on EE-subscale was associated with the years of age (ß=0.310, p = 0.037) and score on Beck's depression inventory (ß=0.828, p < 0.001). The score on DP scale was associated with the score on Beck depression inventory (ß=0.339, p < 0.001). The score on PA scale was associated with the score on Beck depression inventory (ß=0.363, p < 0.001). Conclusions Physicians are the category of employees in psychiatry with the highest severity of burnout syndrome at work, and the degree of development of this syndrome depends on age and degree of depression. Key messages Physicians are the most vulnerable to the burnout syndrome among health care workers at psychiatry. All three domains of burnout are associated with the scores on Beck depression inventory.


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 893-907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann R. Beck ◽  
Heidi Verticchio ◽  
Scott Seeman ◽  
Emma Milliken ◽  
Heidi Schaab

Purpose The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of a mindfulness practice on participants' levels of self-compassion, perfectionism, attention, and perceived and biological stress. Method This was a between-groups design. Experimental participants engaged in a short mindfulness practice weekly for one academic semester; control participants did not. All participants completed three self-report scales measuring perceived stress, self-compassion, and perfectionism before and after mindfulness sessions. In addition, electrophysiological measures were taken before and after to determine changes in biological markers of stress and attention. Experimental participants also kept reflective journals that were analyzed qualitatively. Results Compared with control participants, by the end of the semester, experimental participants' perceived stress levels and potentially negative aspects of perfectionism decreased and biological markers of stress and self-compassion improved. Experimental participants' reflective writings indicated they perceived the sessions to be beneficial. Although the results are promising, no significant effect was found for attention. Conclusions Engaging in a 20-min mindfulness practice using simple yoga posture and breath work across an academic semester appears to be effective in reducing students' perceived and biological stress levels and maladaptive aspects of perfectionism and in increasing their self-compassion. These are all factors that can improve students' overall well-being.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryanna Klatt ◽  
Rani Bawa ◽  
Olivia Gabram ◽  
Alexis Westrick ◽  
Amanda Blake

Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) is an organizationally-sponsored mindfulness program for employees at a large academic health center that consistently produces significant reductions in burnout and perceived stress, alongside significant increases in work engagement and resilience. This study compared outcome measures of a synchronous virtual delivery of MIM, necessitated by COVID-19, to traditional in-person delivery of MIM. Outcome measures from the virtual COVID (AU20, WI21, SP21) MIM cohorts (n = 99) were compared with the in-person Pre-COVID (SP19, AU19, WI20) MIM cohorts (n = 124). Both Pre-COVID and COVID cohorts had similar attendance rates with an average attendance of 84 and 80%, respectively. Qualitative analysis of COVID cohorts reported community support during COVID as a substantial intervention benefit, which was important at a time when isolation dominated the healthcare professional experience. Total burnout was determined by scores on the subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). There were no significant differences in depersonalization (p = 0.3876) and personal accomplishment (p = 0.1519) changes between Pre-COVID and COVID cohorts, however there was a significant difference in emotional exhaustion (p = 0.0315), with COVID cohorts improving more. In both Pre, and COVID cohorts, the percentage of people meeting burnout criteria from pre to post between groups were similar, yielding a non-significant difference (p = 0.2950). The Connor Davidson Resiliency Scale (CDRS) and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) also produced no significant differences between groups (p = 0.4259, p = 0.1984, respectively). The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) though yielded significant differences in reduction between groups (p = 0.0405), again with COVID cohorts showing greater improvement. Results of the first synchronous, virtually delivered MIM cohorts reflect that participants achieved very similar results and that MIM created a community in a time when it was greatly needed due to pandemic healthcare professional stress.


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