Objectives: Providing quality care requires compassion, and encouraging caregivers to develop a patient-centred care relationship could be beneficial for both patients and caregivers. Such a goal can be achieved through mindfulness-based programmes, which can improve caregivers’ compassion and self-compassion. They are particularly relevant for caregivers, as they have a high risk of experiencing work-related burnout due to the high level of involvement required in their work. We hypothesised that a mindfulness training programme specifically focused on situations that are relevant for caregivers could improve patient–caregiver relationships and the care provided by the latter. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study with 10 interviews designed to explore the perceived psychological consequences of such training programmes amongst caregivers who experienced a mindfulness training programme specifically elaborated for the medical staff at APHP Sorbonne University (i.e., the Mindfulness Based (MB) CARE programme). Results: Content analysis results showed that the training had an overall positive impact on the caregivers’ ability to feel compassion toward their patients and themselves. The caregivers were more attentive to their patients and their needs, without being able to articulate how well they were paying attention to them. The programme also helped them develop kindness towards themselves and their patients. The participants were better able to accept more sympathetically the difficult experiences they might encounter in the workplace or those reported by their patients. Conclusions: We conclude that professional mindfulness training programmes could be operational levers for institutions aiming at fostering a more compassionate caregiver–patient relationship, which in turn, can improve the efficiency of care provision.
A Qualitative Study of a Family Carer Training Programme for Carers of People Living with Advanced Dementia
