Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Self-Directed Education in Depressive Symptom Remission: A Quality Improvement...

Background: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), a therapeutic method that combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and mindful meditation teachings, has been highly efficacious in remission maintenance for depressive symptoms and is currently recommended for remission maintenance of depression. Objective: The MBCT quality improvement study sought to implement an evidence-based MBCT-guided self-education program to maintain remission of depressive symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce disability. Results: Comparing the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and World Health Organization Well-Being Questionnaire-5 (WHO-5) surveys from both the treatment-as-usual and MBCT groups, there is a notable improvement in scores in the MBCT group. Within 8 weeks, the intervention group mean PHQ-9 scores reflected a 41% decline in depression; the WHO-5 scores reflected a 56.06% increase in quality of life, and the group mean SDS scores reflected a 66.67% improvement in function. Conclusions: This evidence-based MBCT self-education program, through a quality improvement implementation, decreased incidence of relapse in depressive symptoms by maintaining stable mood, maintaining functional ability, and maintaining or improving quality of life of the participants. Implications for Nursing: Combining MBCT techniques with self-education offers evidence-based practice education, autonomy, and self-efficacy for those who struggle with recurrent depression and lack of access to quality mental health care.