Nurses' experiences of the effects of mindfulness training: a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis

Mindfulness training is often offered to health care staff to help them manage stress and burnout in relation to their job. However, there is a need to amalgamate and synthesise the qualitative evidence on how nurses experience this training.

To explore nurses' experiences of the effects of undertaking mindfulness training.

Qualitative meta-synthesis. Qualitative literature from seven scientific databases: Pubmed, Cochran Library, Science Direct, EBSCO, Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO were searched. The PRISMA flow diagram was used to report the phases of the literature search. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) qualitative research checklist, and the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool MMAT for mixed method studies were used as appraisal framework. Data synthesis was conducted using Thematic synthesis.

Four qualitative studies and 3 mixed-methods studies were included in the review. Five interpretive themes were generated to show how nurses experience of the effects of mindfulness training: 1) Stress conceptualisation and management; 2) Nurses' valued aspects of mindfulness training strategies; 3) Self-care awareness and strategies; 4) Challenges of mindfulness training; 5) Feasibility and acceptance of mindfulness training.

Conducting mindfulness-based interventions among nursing professionals helps to reduce work-related stress and has positive effects on work and life.