Abstract
Introduction: Mindfulness is defined as on purpose moment-to-moment non-judgmental awareness (Jon Kabat-Zinn, 2014). In the current time of shortage of healthcare professionals, high work pressure and more demanding patients, the use of mindful caretaking can be relevant for stress prevention and improving well-being for the healthcare professionals and patients under their care.
Evidenced Based Practice: In healthcare, mindfulness is used as a proven method in the traditional psychological intervention for depression, pain, anxiety, and addictions (Goldberg et al., 2018). Goldberg et al (2018) proved in this systematic review and meta-analysis that mindfulness treatments are a relevant treatment compared to commonly used methods of treatment and showing comparable results with the commonly used psychological intervention treatments.
Next to literature research, we studied the relevance of a mindfulness training among 50 healthcare professionals who combine their daily work with a part-time Master Degree Course (Master Integrated Care design, University of Applied Sciences in Utrecht). The self-perceived effects of a six-week mindfulness training during their part time education was measured. The students delivered a paper based on their experience with mindful caretaking and they experienced new insights after a meditation before and after caring for a patient. From the preliminary data and analysis of the effects of mindful caretaking by these participants, mindful caretaking improves their well-being as well as the patients in their care.
Workshop: During this workshop the participants will be provided with an interactive and personal experience to discover some potential short-term effects by being able to become more self-aware, experience focus and listen more deeply to oneself and others. After the workshop the participants will be able to apply self-awareness and demonstrate mindful skills on attending to patient’s needs. This will result in some new ways to attend the well-being of potential patients involved and being able to recognise more effectively how to manage stress related challenges at work. The structure of the workshop is: 5 minutes opening + 15 minutes introduction + 15 minutes presentation of preliminary results of the study on mindful caretaking + 15 minutes of experiencing mindful caretaking + 15 minutes of reflection + 15 minutes of discussion + 10 minutes closing with summary of take-home messages.