4 research outputs found
Pilot study of the effectiveness of a Mindful SelfâCare and Resiliency program for rural doctors in Australia
Objective
Rural doctors are difficult to recruit and retain. Burnout and stress in the medical workforce fluctuates according to location. Overall, doctors have an elevated risk of depression and suicide compared to the general population and other professionals. Higher levels of occupational stress also effect patient care, levels of work satisfaction and relationships with others. This study evaluated the effectiveness, acceptability, feasibility and sustainability of the Mindful SelfâCare and Resiliency Program.
Design
This was a sequential mixedâmethod study involving the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data.
Setting
The study was conducted in Emerald, Queensland.
Participants
Thirteen doctors took part in the program with seven providing pre and post survey responses. Qualitative data were collected via semiâstructured telephone interviews with an additional four rural doctors.
4.1 Intervention
The Mindful SelfâCare and Resiliency program consisted of a 4âhour faceâtoâface session and three 1âhour videoâconference follow up sessions.
4.1.1 Main outcome measures
Burnout, negative affect, wellâbeing and psychological strain were assessed using selfâreport measures before and after taking part in the program.
4.1.2 Results
The majority (six out of seven) of the doctors showed reductions in burnout, psychological strain and negative affect following participation in the program. The qualitative data indicated that all doctors gained new skills: selfâawareness, reflection and selfâcare. They also reported improved interaction with colleagues and patients, to whom they passed on their new learning.
4.1.3 Conclusion
This preliminary investigation of the effectiveness and feasibility of Mindful SelfâCare and Resiliency for rural doctors indicates that the program has promise in improving the emotional wellâbeing of this occupational group. Although this study captured approximately oneâthird of the Emerald workforce, further research with a larger sample is required to confirm these findings