Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Attitude Training for Primary Care Staff: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This pilot study explores feasibility and outcomes of a newly developed mindfulness-based cognitive attitude training program for health care personnel. The program was designed as an intervention to reduce the negative effects of stress on health care personnel, on both a personal and professional level, as well as to encourage personal well-being and improved management of the caregiver-patient relationship. The study group (n = 52) consisted of individuals from various categories of caregivers within a primary care setting. The study includes pre- and postintervention assessments and a 3-month follow-up assessment of levels of mindfulness (Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale), quality of life (the WHO-5 Well-Being Questionnaire), and perceived stress (two VAS scales). As a group, course participants demonstrated significant positive changes reflected in all assessment scales after completing the course. These positive changes persisted at a 3-month follow-up assessment. The study results indicate the feasibility of this program and a need for continued research with a more powerful study design, possibly supplemented with a qualitative survey.