Evaluation of a Five-Minute Meditation Intervention During Weekly Palliative Care Clinical Rounds.

A five-minute group meditation offered during weekly educational rounds was well-received by palliative care clinicians. Of 70 invited, 23 (59%) participated in the meditation during rounds, and 21 (54%) also meditated at least weekly outside of rounds, averaging 53 minutes per week, mostly after work hours. Participation was linked to perceived stress reduction and control, and satisfaction with meditation (odds ratio: 1.46). No significant differences in participation were found by gender or years worked. Clinicians in psychosocial roles did not show different engagement outside rounds, and those less engaged did not report greater time-related barriers. The findings suggest brief group meditation may be a feasible and helpful tool for clinician well-being.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction: Palliative care professionals experience high levels stress and burnout. Meditation improves stress and well-being, with group interventions more promising than individual-level efforts. This study assessed participation, satisfaction, helpfulness, and integration of a five-minute group meditation during weekly educational rounds. Methods: Seventy clinicians were invited to complete an anonymous Qualtrics survey assessing study variables. Responses were analyzed using variations of t-tests, ANOVAs, chi-squared tests, and regression analyses in IBM SPSS (Version 23). Results: Twenty-three clinicians (59%) reported participation in meditation during rounds, with no significant differences by gender or years worked. Twenty-one respondents also engaged in meditation at least weekly outside of rounds (54%), averaging 53 minutes (n = 21) a week, and doing so mostly after work hours (n = 18, 72%). Participation was associated with perceived stress reduction and control, and satisfaction with meditation (odds ratio: 1.46 [95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.13], p = 0.05). Clinicians in psychosocial roles showed no different engagement outside of rounds, and those less engaged did not report greater time-related barriers. Discussion: Most round attendants participated in the five-minute meditation, perceived it as useful, and reported use after rounds. Findings justify further research to better characterize its potential in enhancing well-being.