Addressing Stress Among Healthcare Workers Using Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Abstract

Stress is rampant among healthcare workers in different patient care settings. Healthcare workers are one of the groups that report high workplace stress levels with some studies reporting these levels to be as high as 70 to 90%. Stress was particularly rampant among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic because most workers were overwhelmed and could not provide the best care for their patients. Stress among healthcare workers is likely to continue because the work conditions that contribute to this high level of stress are becoming more rampant. For instance, demanding work, long and unpredictable work hours, and high administrative burdens continue to be rampant. Other factors such as an increase in the number of people affected by multiple chronic conditions and the aging workers are also putting a lot of strain on healthcare and among healthcare workers. Considering the staff shortages, taking care of people with numerous needs can increase stress levels which explains why healthcare workers report high levels of stress. Considering the negative effects of stress on healthcare workers' health and well-being, it is important to have effective interventions in place to deal with this stress such as mindfulness training. Research has shown that mindfulness-based interventions have a lot of potential when it comes to addressing work-related stress. It also helps to deal with depression and anxiety. To increase effectiveness, mindfulness training can also be incorporated as part of wellness programs in the workplace. keywords: mindfulness training, mindfulness-based interventions, stress, burnout, healthcare workers