Exploring the Effectiveness of Mindfulness and Decentering Training in a Physician Assistant Curriculum

Several studies have documented the effects of physician assistant (PA) training on students' perceived stress and life satisfaction. Innovative curriculum design incorporating effective stress management resources may help address this concern.

Mindfulness and decentering training was incorporated into a first-quarter course for PA students. It included lecture, in-class demonstrations and practice, and out-of-class activities. Mindfulness (Experiences Questionnaire; Acceptance and Action Questionnaire) and general well-being (Satisfaction with Life Scale; Perceived Stress Scale) were assessed precourse, postcourse, and during follow-up.

Students reported a significant increase in levels of mindfulness postcourse, which remained stable at a 4-month follow-up. These findings were consistent regardless of prior mindfulness practice. More importantly, changes in the levels of mindfulness significantly predicted changes in life satisfaction and perceived stress.

Stress management resources can be incorporated into PA courses through innovative curriculum design to help students cope with the demands of PA school.