A systematic review of the impact of mindfulness on the well-being of healthcare professionals

Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

Authors

  • Tim Lomas
  • Juan Carlos Medina
  • Itai Ivtzan
  • Silke Rupprecht
  • Francisco José Eiroa-Orosa

Objective: Among efforts to improve the well-being of healthcare professionals are initiatives based around mindfulness meditation. To understand the value of such initiatives, we conducted a systematic review of empirical studies pertaining to mindfulness in healthcare professionals. Method: Databases were reviewed from the start of records to January 2016. Eligibility criteria included empirical analyses of mindfulness and well-being outcomes acquired in relation to practice. 81 papers met the eligibility criteria, comprising a total of 3,805 participants. Studies were principally examined for outcomes such as burnout, distress, anxiety, depression, and stress. Results: Mindfulness was generally associated with positive outcomes in relation to most measures (although results were more equivocal with respect to some outcomes, most notably burnout). Conclusion: Overall, mindfulness does appear to improve the well-being of healthcare professionals. However, the quality of the studies was inconsistent, so further research is needed, particularly high-quality randomized controlled trials.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology
Volume74
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)319-355
Number of pages37
ISSN0021-9762
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 03.2018

DOI