Effectiveness of a Mindfulness Education Program in Primary Health Care Professionals: A Pragmatic Controlled Trial

• DOI: 10.1002/chp.21211
• Publication Date: 2014-03-20T03:14:17Z
• Authors: Andrés Martîn Asuero; Jenny Moix Queraltó; Enriqueta Pujol-R...; Anna Berenguera; Teresa Rodriguez-...; Ronald M. Epstein
• Keywords: Health Professionals

Introduction: Burnout is a very prevalent type of stress among health professionals. It affects their well-being, performance, and attitude toward patients. This study assessed the effectiveness training program for primary care professionals designed to reduce burnout mood disturbance, increase empathy, develop mindfulness. Methods: Pragmatic randomized controlled trial with pre- postintervention measurements 68 (43 in intervention 25 control group) Spain. The consisted presentations clinically relevant topics, mindfulness-based coping strategies, mindfulness practice, yoga, group discussions (8 sessions 2.5 hours per week plus 1-day session 8 hours). Outcome measures included Maslach Inventory, Profile Mood States, Jefferson Scale Physician Empathy, Baer's Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire, questionnaire on changes personal habits practice. Measurements were performed at baseline after weeks. Results: improved 4 scales measured. magnitude change was large total disturbance (difference between groups -7.1; standardized effect-size [SES] 1.15) 11; SES 0.9) moderate -7; 0.74) empathy 5.2; 0.71). No significant differences found group. Discussion: Our supports use programs as part continuing professional education prevent burnout, promote positive attitudes professionals, strengthen patient-provider relationships, enhance well-being.