A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Impact of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on the Well-Being of Healthcare Professionals

Efforts to improve the wellbeing of healthcare professionals include mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). To understand the value of such initiatives, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of empirical studies pertaining to the use of MBIs with healthcare professionals. Databases were reviewed from the start of records to January 2016 (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42016032899). Eligibility criteria included empirical analyses of wellbeing outcomes acquired in relation to MBIs. Forty-two papers met the eligibility criteria, consisting of a total of 2,101 participants. Studies were examined for two broad classes of wellbeing outcomes: (a) “negative” mental health measures such as anxiety, depression, and stress; (b) “positive” indices of wellbeing, such as life satisfaction, together with outcomes associated with wellbeing, such as emotional intelligence. MBIs were generally associated with positive outcomes in relation to most measures, and mindfulness does appear to improve the wellbeing of healthcare professionals. However, the quality of the studies was inconsistent, so further research is needed, particularly high-quality randomised control trials

The relationship between healthcare staff wellbeing and patient care: it’s not that simple

Expecting happier and healthier staff to provide better care may make intuitive sense, but this is not always the case. This chapter highlights the complexity of the relationship between healthcare staff wellbeing and patient care, and we introduce the “happy-productive worker” hypothesis which postulates that happy and healthy workers are more productive. Here, we initially review the evidence for this relationship among workers in various sectors and consider some of the limitations of our understanding of this association. We then examine the research looking at the links between healthcare staff wellbeing and the quality of patient care at both the individual and organisational level. This is followed by a reflection on the inconsistency of this relationship, and how measurement, moderators, and context influence the presence and strengths of this association. Finally, we consider the implications for research, practice, and policy—including the Healthy Healthcare concept