A Multimodal Mindfulness Training to Address Mental Health Symptoms in Providers Who Care for and Interact With Children in Relation to End-of-Life Care

Sean O’Mahony, James Gerhart, Ira Abrams, Michelle Greene, Rory McFadden, Sara Tamizuddin, Mitchell M. Levy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aim: Medical providers may face unique emotional challenges when confronted with the suffering of chronically ill, dying, and bereaved children. This study assessed the preliminary outcomes of participation in a group-based multimodal mindfulness training pilot designed to reduce symptoms of burnout and mental health symptoms in providers who interact with children in the context of end-of-life care. Methods: A total of 13 medical providers who care for children facing life-threatening illness or bereaved children participated in a 9-session multimodal mindfulness session. Mental health symptoms and burnout were assessed prior to the program, at the program midpoint, and at the conclusion of the program. Results: Participation in the pilot was associated with significant reductions in depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among providers (P <.05). Conclusion: Mindfulness-based programs may help providers recognize and address symptoms of depression and PTSD. Additional research is needed to enhance access and uptake of programming among larger groups of participants.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)838-843
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Volume34
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • burnout
  • compassion fatigue
  • health-care providers
  • mindfulness
  • palliative care
  • resilience

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A Multimodal Mindfulness Training to Address Mental Health Symptoms in Providers Who Care for and Interact With Children in Relation to End-of-Life Care'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this