Helping the helpers: mindfulness training for burnout in pediatric oncology--a pilot program
Karen Moody1, Deborah Kramer, Ruth O Santizo
11Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY, USA.
Summary
Mindfulness-based courses did not significantly reduce burnout in pediatric oncology staff. However, qualitative data suggested benefits like reduced stress and improved inner peace for participants.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychiatry
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Burnout is prevalent among pediatric oncology healthcare professionals.
- This syndrome includes emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced accomplishment.
- Pediatric oncology staff face significant occupational stressors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a mindfulness-based course (MBC) for reducing burnout.
- To assess the impact of MBC on depression and perceived stress.
- To explore the effectiveness of workplace mindfulness interventions.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 48 participants, primarily nurses.
- Participants were assigned to either an MBC intervention or a control group.
- The intervention involved eight weekly sessions of mindfulness education.
Main Results:
- No significant quantitative improvements in burnout, perceived stress, or depression scores were observed.
- Nearly all participants reported burnout symptoms at baseline.
- Qualitative analysis of diaries indicated reduced stress, enhanced inner peace, compassion, joy, focus, self-awareness, and fewer somatic symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Burnout remains a critical issue for pediatric oncology staff.
- Mindfulness practices are teachable in the workplace.
- MBC may serve as a valuable component in a multifaceted approach to mitigate burnout.
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