Exploring patient experiences with a mindfulness course in a general practice setting: a qualitative study

This study explored patients' reasons for participating in a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) course offered by their general practitioner and their experiences and outcomes of the course.

Data were obtained through qualitative interviews with ten participants (aged 44-75 years) of European descent, from a general practice in Denmark. The participants had varying levels of stress, anxiety, and depression and had completed a mindfulness course, referred by their respective general practitioners. Participants were required to pay a modest fee to participate. Qualitative interviews were chosen to facilitate an in-depth exploration of participants' subjective experiences and perspectives. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns, providing profound insights into participants' experiences. The intervention comprised of a six to eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction program with weekly sessions of one and a half to two and a half hours duration. The participants were urged to practice mindfulness training for approximately 45 min every day during the course. The practice was supported by audio resources and a manual, covering meditation, yoga, and exercises based on MBSRs framework.

Three themes emerged from the thematic analysis: (1) Reasons for patients' participation: Patients enrolled in the course as a response to stress-related symptoms and placed their trust in the recommendations of their general practitioners. (2) Outcomes of the course: Participants gained emotion regulation tools, present-moment awareness, and enhanced coping strategies, resulting in greater control over emotions and a shift towards acceptance and self-awareness, and (3) Integration of mindfulness into daily life: Participants incorporated mindfulness using breathing techniques to cultivate serenity.

The study indicates that patients in general practice have a positive attitude towards mindfulness as a part of the stress treatment in general practice. The patient's interest was supported by trustful doctor-patient relationships. The participants experienced improved emotion regulation and enhanced coping strategies. These findings underscore the benefits of integrating mindfulness into general practice. However, mindfulness is not available within Denmark's free healthcare system, limiting its benefits for vulnerable groups.