Matthew Kang1, Rob Selzer2, Harry Gibbs3, Katie Bourke4, Abdul-Rahman Hudaib5, Jo Gibbs6. 1. Psychiatry Registrar, Department of Mental and Addiction Health, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 2. Psychiatrist, Department of Mental and Addiction Health, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, and; Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPRc), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 3. Deputy Director of General Medicine, Department of General Medicine, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC Australia. 4. Psychiatrist, Department of Mental and Addiction Health, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 5. Research Medical Officer, Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPRc), Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 6. Director, TREAT Healthcare Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals including psychiatry trainees experience high amounts of occupational stress. This pilot study aims to assess the impacts and feasibility of a mindfulness-based intervention program as an occupational intervention in a metropolitan hospital. METHOD: Psychiatry trainees participated in an mindfulness-based intervention training program consisting of 1-h weekly sessions over 8 weeks. Levels of psychological distress and mindfulness were measured pre and post-intervention. Qualitative data through an open-ended feedback survey were also collected. RESULTS: There was an improved level of mindfulness and a decreased level of burnout among trainees post-intervention. Advantages of the program included having a compassionate facilitator and the program being tailored to healthcare staff. Limiting factors included time restraints and clinical responsibilities. CONCLUSION: Psychiatry trainees can benefit from an occupational MBI program. This can positively impact their health as well as improve their work performance. A number of factors important for implementation of a mindfulness-based intervention program were also identified.
BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals including psychiatry trainees experience high amounts of occupational stress. This pilot study aims to assess the impacts and feasibility of a mindfulness-based intervention program as an occupational intervention in a metropolitan hospital. METHOD: Psychiatry trainees participated in an mindfulness-based intervention training program consisting of 1-h weekly sessions over 8 weeks. Levels of psychological distress and mindfulness were measured pre and post-intervention. Qualitative data through an open-ended feedback survey were also collected. RESULTS: There was an improved level of mindfulness and a decreased level of burnout among trainees post-intervention. Advantages of the program included having a compassionate facilitator and the program being tailored to healthcare staff. Limiting factors included time restraints and clinical responsibilities. CONCLUSION: Psychiatry trainees can benefit from an occupational MBI program. This can positively impact their health as well as improve their work performance. A number of factors important for implementation of a mindfulness-based intervention program were also identified.