Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Occupational Therapy: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Psychology
• Mindfulness Studies

Background:

• Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) show promise in occupational therapy (OT) for emotional well-being, stress, and pain.
• A systematic review on MBIs in OT is currently lacking.
• This review synthesizes research on MBI types, components, and effectiveness in OT practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the types and components of MBIs used in occupational therapy.
• To summarize empirical evidence on the effectiveness of MBIs in OT practice.
• To focus on health-related and OT-specific outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 7 databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Medline) up to October 2024.
• Included RCTs and quasi-experimental studies in English, excluding non-peer-reviewed articles or those lacking outcome data.
• Employed Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for critical appraisal and narrative synthesis.

Main Results:

• 10 studies were included, with critical appraisal scores ranging from 50-91.67.
• Interventions included creative/art-based (2), structured (3), and multi-modal (5) MBIs.
• MBIs significantly improved mental health and promoted activity/participation, but not physical health, cognitive function, or quality of life.

Conclusions:

• MBIs are evidence-based for improving mental health and promoting activity/participation within OT.
• Occupational therapists can integrate creative, structured, or multi-modal MBIs into practice.
• Further integration of MBIs into OT education and practice is recommended.