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

Area of Science:

• General Practice
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
• Psychology

Background:

• Explored patient motivations and experiences with mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) courses.
• Investigated outcomes of MBSR for individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Examined the role of general practitioners in referring patients to mindfulness interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand patient reasons for enrolling in MBSR courses.
• To explore patient experiences and perceived outcomes of MBSR.
• To assess the feasibility and benefits of integrating mindfulness into general practice settings.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews with ten participants (aged 44-75) from a Danish general practice.
• Thematic analysis of interview data to identify key themes in patient experiences.
• Intervention involved an 6-8 week MBSR program with daily home practice.

Main Results:

• Patients sought MBSR due to stress-related symptoms and trust in GP recommendations.
• Participants acquired emotion regulation skills, present-moment awareness, and improved coping strategies.
• Mindfulness techniques were integrated into daily life for enhanced serenity and self-awareness.

Conclusions:

• Patients generally view mindfulness positively as a stress management tool within general practice.
• Trust in the doctor-patient relationship facilitates engagement with mindfulness interventions.
• Mindfulness integration in general practice shows promise for improving patient well-being, though accessibility issues exist within national healthcare systems.