The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on the psychological well-being of nurses: A systematic review

Appl Nurs Res. 2022 Apr:64:151565. doi: 10.1016/j.apnr.2022.151565. Epub 2022 Jan 15.

Abstract

Background: There is a rising demand for methods to support well-being at work. Mindfulness-based interventions have the potential to enhance nurses' psychological well-being.

Purpose: To identify mindfulness-based interventions and outcome measures and to evaluate the effect on the psychological well-being of nurses.

Methods: A systematic review following Prisma protocol with search of four electronic databases was undertaken covering English language publications between January 2011 and July 2021.

Findings: A total of 11 randomized controlled trial (RCT) and quasi-experimental studies with a total of 1009 participants were included. The outcome measures were stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, resilience, quality of life, self-compassion, happiness, and the level of mindfulness. Ten studies demonstrated positive impact of mindfulness-based intervention on nurses' psychological well-being.

Discussion: Mindfulness-based interventions have the potential to enhance the well-being of nurses. RCTs using rigorous designs, consistent outcome measures and bigger sample sizes are required to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness programs.

Keywords: Mindfulness; Mindfulness-based interventions; Nurses; Systematic review; Well-being.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / therapy
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Burnout, Psychological
  • Humans
  • Mindfulness*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Self-Compassion