Abstract
Stress is one of the most common problems among healthcare professionals, as they are exposed to potentially stressful and emotionally challenging situations in the workplace. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training programs have been shown to decrease stress. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of an abbreviated 4-weeks MBSR training program in relation to a standard 8-weeks one on the stress levels. A controlled and randomized clinical trial was designed, in which 112 tutors and resident intern specialists in Family and Community Medicine and Nursing of six Spanish National Health System teaching units (TUs) participated. Participants included in the experimental groups (EGs) received a MBRS training program (standard or abbreviated), while control group (CG) participants did not receive any intervention. The stress levels were assessed by the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) in three different moments during the study: before, immediately after, and 3 months after the intervention. Adjusted covariance analysis (ANCOVA), using pretest scores as the covariate, showed a significant reduction in stress (F(2,91) = 5.165; p = 0.008; η2 = 0.102) in the post-test visit, attributable to the implementation of the standard training program, but without the maintenance of its effects over time. No significant impact of the abbreviated training program on stress levels was observed in the intergroup comparison. A standard 8-weeks MBSR training program aimed at tutors and resident intern specialists in Family and Community Medicine and Nursing produces significant improvements in stress levels compared with the abbreviated intervention and no intervention. New studies about abbreviated training programs are needed to provide effective treatments which improve well-being of these professionals.
Highlights
Stress is the product of a person’s interrelation with their context, and it appears when a person values that the situation exceeds their resources for action
The initial study sample consisted of 165 participants, distributed as follows: 63 in the control group (CG), 39 in the Experimental 8 weeks (Group) (EG1), and 63 in the EG2
The final study sample consisted of 112 participants, who were included in the subsequent analysis, with 51 in the CG, 24 in the EG1, and 37 in the EG2. (Figure 1)
Summary
Stress is the product of a person’s interrelation with their context, and it appears when a person values that the situation exceeds their resources for action. Under these conditions, the person uses multiple cognitive and emotional efforts that determine their response to the environment and particular coping strategies [1]. The support of work colleagues, help with the workload and emotional support, access to professional support, effective leadership strategies and the learning environment act as protective factors against the stress of healthcare professionals [9]
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