Publication
Stress reduction and team enforcement by Mindfulness: Mindfulness based intervention (StreAM)
Conference Paper/Poster - Sep 13, 2019
Müller-Kaeser Iris, Schlaeppi Marc, Fringer André, Kramer Klaus
Units
Keywords
Contact
Citation
Project
Type
Conference Name
Publication Date
Pages
Publisher
Brief description/objective
Objective: To evaluate the practicability, effectiveness and sustainability of a concentrated stress reduction training program (modified according to MBSR, J. Kabat-Zinn) we focused on stress reduction, quality of life, and team communication within the scope of interdisciplinary and inter-professional co-working teams (physicians and nurses of oncology, surgery, obstetrics) at the Kantonsspital St.Gallen (Switzerland).
Methods: A four week concise program training medical staff (twenty female participants) of three clinical departments (oncology, surgery, obstetrics) for mindfulness stress reduction: 4 x 2,5h weekly plus one whole-day retreat (7h) after the third week, while participants should practice formal mindfulness 20-30 minutes daily during this time period.
Application of a web-based questionnaire (Qa) regarding feasibility before and after each lesson (six times) and Qb (based on validated, established instruments: MAAS; WHOQoL-BREF; BOSS; KomminO, TKI), focusing on mindfulness, work-life balance, quality of life, communication and team-clime applied before, immediate and three month after the course. Additionally a focus-group interview (FGI) was performed.
Results: The concentrated modified mindfulness intervention seemed feasible. In the context of private life mindfulness appeared most effective while in professional day-life integration of mindfulness was more challenging. FGI revealed high relevance of mindfulness for all professions and disciplines. Although not significant, overall intensity of mindfulness increased, while in certain items significant increase was documented: The impression to fulfill duties and commitments without being aware of what am I doing as well as physical complaints decreased during the mindfulness intervention (MAAS: p=0.049; BOSS: p=0.012-0.034). Quality of life index increased during the mindfulness course most in midwifes (WHO-QoL-BREF: p=0.021) and less significant in staff of surgery and oncology. A slight benefit in communication was documented (KomminO/TKI: p=0.01-0.062)
Conclusion: This evaluated concentrated mindfulness intervention is feasible and may increase mindfulness in daily routine while quality of life, team communication as well as team atmosphere may improve.