Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Professional burnout has been a significant problem for the US healthcare workforce for years, and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is known that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can reduce stress and symptoms of burnout in healthcare workers. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of group mindfulness-based interventions on individuals who attended prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and those who attended intra-pandemic. METHODS: Validated survey instruments were administered to participants before and after the courses to assess stress, mindfulness and burnout. Mean scores were compared between groups at baseline. Pre- and post-course responses were gathered and compared within both the pre-pandemic and intra-pandemic cohorts, and within-group effect sizes were calculated. Finally, the change in effect size was calculated between the pre-pandemic and intra-pandemic conditions. RESULTS: Mindfulness groups were associated with significant score changes on specific mindfulness skills (Observe, Act with Awareness, Non-Judge) within both the pre-pandemic and intra-pandemic time periods. The effectiveness of mindfulness skill acquisition varied between these conditions. Mindfulness courses were more effective at reducing stress and burnout during COVID-19, compared with the pre-pandemic time. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the adaptability and effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing symptoms of stress and burnout among healthcare workers during adverse circumstances.
