Reducing stress and promoting well-being in healthcare workers using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for life

摘要

Background/ObjectiveHealthcare workers play a critical role in the health of a nation, yet rates of healthcare worker stress are disproportionately high. We evaluated whether mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for life (MBCT-L), could reduce stress in healthcare workers and target a range of secondary outcomes.Method: This is the first parallel randomised controlled trial of MBCT-L. Participants were NHS workers, who were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either MBCT-L or wait-list. The primary outcome was self-reported stress at post-intervention. Secondary variables were well-being, depression, anxiety, and work-related outcomes. Mixed regressions were used. Mindfulness and self/other-compassion were explored as potential mechanisms of effects on stress and wellbeing.Results: We assigned 234 participants to MBCT-L (n= 115) or to wait-list (n= 119). 168 (72%) participants completed the primary outcome and of those who started the MBCT-L 73.40% (n= 69) attended the majority of the sessions. MBCT-L ameliorated stress compared with controls (B= 2.60, 95% CI = 1.63?3.56;d= -0.72;p< .0001). Effects were also found for well-being, depression and anxiety, but not for work-related outcomes. Mindfulness and self-compassion mediated effects on stress and wellbeing.Conclusions: MBCT-L could be an effective and acceptable part of a wider healthcare workers well-being and mental health strategy.