Impact of a mindful self-compassion workshop incorporating sandtray on burnout in undergraduate nursing students: A mixed methods, pre-post study

Abstract

Aim

To assess the impact of a 4-hour, hands-on mindful self-compassion workshop incorporating sand tray exercises on undergraduate nursing student understanding of mindfulness and self-compassion, as well as feelings of burnout.

Background

Burnout is the primary reason nurses leave the profession. Given widespread nursing shortages, it is important to address burnout early, with proven approaches. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown to reduce burnout in healthcare workers.

Design

This is a mixed methods interventional study with a pre-post design.

Methods

A pre- and 2-month post-survey of demographic, lifestyle questions and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Edition (MBI-S) was administered to participants and controls. Open-ended questions assessed participants’ understanding of the concepts of mindfulness and self-compassion. A qualitative post-workshop survey assessed participants’ reactions to the workshop. Multivariate regression analysis using a difference-in-differences approach assessed changes in the domains of burnout and overall feelings of burnout. Thematic analysis assessed changes in understanding of mindfulness and self-compassion and effectiveness of the workshop.

Results

A convenience sample of 133 undergraduate nursing students (68 participants, 65 controls) was recruited. The proportion of respondents indicating they feel burned out once a week or more was significantly lower for participants post-intervention than controls, with participants experiencing 71 % reduced odds (OR =.289, P=.085). Additionally, the intervention improved understanding of mindfulness and self-compassion and was considered effective at improving emotional awareness and control.

Conclusion

A mindful self-compassion workshop using sandtray exercises improved student nurse understanding of these concepts, was well-received and decreased the frequency with which students feel burned out.