The following is a summary of “Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on the well-being of healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” published in the May 2024 issue of Psychiatry by Ong et al.
Growing evidence supports mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), but the effectiveness of these for healthcare workers needs to be clarified.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study assessing if MBIs improve the psychological well-being of healthcare workers.
They searched databases like Medline, Embase, and others (August 31, 2022), using keywords related to healthcare workers and mindfulness interventions. The RCTs defined MBI focused on healthcare workers’ well-being. Data were analyzed using R V.4.0.3, with the standardized mean difference (SMD) as the primary outcome assessed using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. The quality of evidence was evaluated using a development and evaluation framework, and Cochrane’s risk of bias 2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies.
The results included 27 studies with 2,506 participants from the USA covering various healthcare fields. The MBIs, including stress reduction programs, apps, meditation, and training, showed small to large effects on anxiety, burnout, stress, and other outcomes. Positive impacts were also observed in self-compassion and well-being. Yet, long-term effects (1 month or longer post-intervention) varied.
Investigators concluded that MBIs provide short-term stress relief for healthcare workers. However, they noted limitations like varied interventions, lower power in some subgroups, and inconsistent study quality.