Mindfulness as a Strategy to Reduce Burnout in Healthcare

Abstract

Purpose: This quality improvement (QI) project evaluated the intent to utilize mindfulness interventions as a method to reduce stress and burnout in the workplace.Background: Healthcare is an industry characterized by high levels of stress, a wide range of emotional and physical demands, and increasingly limited resources. Mitigation of workplace stress and subsequent burnout is necessary to ensure the health and safety of healthcare professionals. Evidence regarding the use of mindfulness-based practices demonstrates promising efficacy as an intervention to support the reduction of stress and burnout. Methods: A brief mindfulness intervention that provided an educational overview regarding different mindfulness techniques and strategies to support implementation was provided to healthcare professionals at a one-time interval. Anonymous pre-/post-surveys were utilized to evaluate baseline stress levels and utilization of stress management techniques as well as intent to utilize and perceived barriers to integration of mindfulness practices. Results: The sample for this quality improvement (QI) included four participants. Baseline information evaluated revealed varying levels of baseline job satisfaction and work-related stress. Following intervention implementation, all participants reported they were “very likely” to integrate mindfulness techniques as a stress management technique. Identification of actual or anticipated barriers revealed adequate time as the most likely reason for not being able to integrate mindfulness practices during the workday. Conclusions: Mindfulness practices appear to offer an attractive intervention to support the management of work-related stress and burnout. Additional support is necessary to generalize the findings of this quality improvement. Future efforts should continue evaluating the acceptability of mindfulness interventions as well as emerging strategies that mitigate the harrowing impact of professional stress and burnout in healthcare.