Abstract
This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. BackgroundStress and psychological distress are common in doctors and have adverse effects for both doctors and patients.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the long-term (5-year) effects of mindfulness practice on medical practitioners' stress.MethodsA 5-year follow-up study using quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Outcome measures of the original trial, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS), were repeated and a questionnaire/interview on doctors' health and well-being was undertaken.Results Most participants (88%) continue to use mindfulness or relaxation exercises. Mean outcome scores (and standard deviations) at 5 year follow up revealed; PSS 13.8 (5.2) (maximal score of 40), anxiety subscale of DASS 4.4 (4.9) (maximal score of 42 and stress subscale of DASS 10.9 (7.3) (maximal score of 42). The 5 year follow up group mean PSS and DASS outcomes scores were all lower than post intervention scores from the original RCT, however differences were not statistically significant. Participants expressed concerns with the overall state of doctors' health/wellbeing.ConclusionMindfulness for stress management is sustainable and may be beneficial for long term use in doctors.
Highlights
Stress and psychological distress are common in doctors (Beyond Blue, 2013; Willcock, Daly, Tennant, & Allard, 2004)
The 5 year follow up group mean Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and DASS outcomes scores were all lower than post intervention scores from the original randomised controlled trial (RCT), differences were not statistically significant
Our study provides 5-year follow-up of a multicentre, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial (RCT) conducted in 2009 investigating the impact of an intervention of mindfulness practice on medical student stress and psychological distress – Mindfulness in Medical Student Stress (MiMSS) (5)
Summary
A 5-year follow-up study using quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Outcome measures of the original trial, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS), were repeated and a questionnaire/interview on doctors’ health and well-being was undertaken.
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