Effects of a mindfulness-based programme on the health- and work-related quality of life of healthcare professionals

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The objective of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programmes is to promote awareness of the present moment without judging, evaluating or reacting to the different thoughts or emotions that may arise. Development of these abilities appears especially important for healthcare professionals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and medium- and long-term effects of a MBSR programme for primary care (PC) health professionals on their health-related quality of life and quality of work life. Design: Randomised clinical trial using an intervention and control group with follow-up of the experimental group. Setting: Primary Care centres in the Alicante Public Health Service (Spain). Participants: Participants were PC health professionals (N = 58) divided between an intervention group receiving the 8-week MBSR programme and a control group receiving a theoretical training session alone. Method: Both groups were evaluated at baseline and at 8 weeks, and the intervention group was additionally evaluated at 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month postprogramme. Results: In comparison to the control group, the intervention group obtained higher scores postintervention for mindfulness, health-related quality of life, mood and compassion satisfaction and a lower score for burnout. Improvements in mindfulness, mood and burnout syndrome persisted at 12 months after the programme. Conclusions: In conclusion, MBSR is an effective intervention to enhance the health-related quality of life and quality of work life of Primary Care Health professionals.