Self-compassion Education for Health Professionals (Nurses and Midwives): Protocol for a Sequential Explanatory Mixed...

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Psychology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Recent studies indicate self-compassion can mitigate anxiety, stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout in health professionals.
• Self-compassion practices are linked to improved overall well-being among healthcare workers.
• Further research is warranted to explore self-compassion education and training for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance understanding of self-compassion's role in health professionals' health and well-being.
• To investigate the effectiveness of self-compassion education and training programs.
• To explore the lived experiences of health professionals participating in such programs.

Main Methods:

• Sequential explanatory mixed methods design across three phases.
• Phase 1: Web-based surveys measuring self-compassion at three time points post-intervention.
• Phase 2: Focus groups or individual interviews to explore participant experiences.
• Phase 3: Data integration and dissemination of findings.

Main Results:

• Study approved by relevant ethics committees (June 2021).
• Scoping review focusing on nurses and midwives completed.
• Phase 1 data collection expected by June 2022; Phase 2 to commence July 2022.

Conclusions:

• Data integration will provide detailed insights into self-compassion's impact on health professionals.
• Findings will inform discussions on improving health and well-being in the healthcare sector.
• Self-compassion training programs show promise for enhancing the well-being of nurses and midwives.