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Demands faced by health care professionals include heavy caseloads, limited control over the work environment, long hours, as well as organizational structures and systems in transition. Such conditions have been directly linked to increased stress and symptoms of burnout, which in turn, have adverse consequences for clinicians and the quality of care that is provided to patients. Consequently, there exists an impetus for the development of curriculum aimed at fostering wellness and the necessary self-care skills for clinicians. This review will examine the potential benefits of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs aimed at enhancing well-being and coping with stress in this population. Empirical evidence indicates that participation in MBSR yields benefits for clinicians in the domains of physical and mental health. Conceptual and methodological limitations of the existing studies and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Demands faced by health care professionals include heavy caseloads, limited control over the work environment, long hours, as well as organizational structures and systems in transition. Such conditions have been directly linked to increased stress and symptoms of burnout, which in turn, have adverse consequences for clinicians and the quality of care that is provided to patients. Consequently, there exists an impetus for the development of curriculum aimed at fostering wellness and the necessary self-care skills for clinicians. This review will examine the potential benefits of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs aimed at enhancing well-being and coping with stress in this population. Empirical evidence indicates that participation in MBSR yields benefits for clinicians in the domains of physical and mental health. Conceptual and methodological limitations of the existing studies and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses are being taught around the world in various contexts and targeted to various populations. The program has been intentionally designed without a detailed teaching manual so as to allow instructors to respond to what is called for in each teaching moment. It also affords tailoring the program to specific circumstances such as when working with persons suffering from depression or substance abuse. But how does one remain true to core teaching intentions and program components, while undertaking such tailoring? Modifications to the format and content of MBSR have been reported but little is known if these adaptations influence outcomes and processes underlying change compared to the basic curriculum. Here we discuss what we consider to be essential aspects of the program to be carefully considered when adapting it. We describe selected adaptations of MBSR to highlight the types of changes made and report results when data are available. We conclude with suggestions pertaining to how to best remain authentic while being imaginative regarding the administration of MBSR in non-medical settings (e.g., prison) and for special populations (e.g., women with addictions).
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses are being taught around the world in various contexts and targeted to various populations. The program has been intentionally designed without a detailed teaching manual so as to allow instructors to respond to what is called for in each teaching moment. It also affords tailoring the program to specific circumstances such as when working with persons suffering from depression or substance abuse. But how does one remain true to core teaching intentions and program components, while undertaking such tailoring? Modifications to the format and content of MBSR have been reported but little is known if these adaptations influence outcomes and processes underlying change compared to the basic curriculum. Here we discuss what we consider to be essential aspects of the program to be carefully considered when adapting it. We describe selected adaptations of MBSR to highlight the types of changes made and report results when data are available. We conclude with suggestions pertaining to how to best remain authentic while being imaginative regarding the administration of MBSR in non-medical settings (e.g., prison) and for special populations (e.g., women with addictions).
ObjectivesMindfulness has the potential to prevent compassion fatigue and burnout in that the doctor who is self‐aware is more likely to engage in self‐care activities and to manage stress better. Moreover, well doctors are better equipped to foster wellness in their patients. Teaching mindfulness in medical school is gaining momentum; we examined the literature and related websites to determine the extent to which this work is carried out with medical students and residents.
Methods
A literature search revealed that 14 medical schools teach mindfulness to medical and dental students and residents.
Results
A wide range of formats are used in teaching mindfulness. These include simple lectures, 1‐day workshops and 8–10‐week programmes in mindfulness‐based stress reduction. Two medical schools stand out because they have integrated mindfulness into their curricula: the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (USA) and Monash Medical School (Australia). Studies show that students who follow these programmes experience decreased psychological distress and an improved quality of life.
Conclusions
Although the evidence points to the usefulness of teaching mindful practices, various issues remain to be considered. When is it best to teach mindfulness in the trajectory of a doctor's career? What format works best, when and for whom? How can what is learned be maintained over time? Should mindfulness training be integrated into the medical school core curriculum?