Educational intervention versus mindfulness-based intervention for ICU nurses with occupational burnout: A parallel,...

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Occupational Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses experience high rates of occupational burnout, impacting their health.
• Effective interventions are needed to enhance coping resources for ICU nurses.
• Mindfulness is a recognized strategy for improving well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of an eight-week mindfulness-based intervention on occupational burnout in ICU nurses.
• To compare the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention with an educational intervention for burnout.

Main Methods:

• 106 ICU nurses participated in either an educational intervention (EB) or a mindfulness-based intervention (MBIB).
• Standardized questionnaires (MBI, MAAS, AAQ-II) were administered pre-intervention, and at one week, one month, and three months post-intervention.
• Intention-to-treat analysis and repeated-measures ANOVA were used to analyze the data.

Main Results:

• The mindfulness-based intervention significantly improved nurses' mindfulness levels and decreased experiential avoidance.
• Key burnout indicators, including emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, were positively affected.
• Observed benefits were maintained up to three months after the intervention concluded.

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness-based interventions are effective in mitigating occupational burnout among ICU nurses.
• The intervention enhances mindfulness and reduces experiential avoidance, contributing to improved nurse well-being.
• Sustained positive outcomes suggest the long-term value of mindfulness for ICU nurses.