Evaluation of a Five-Minute Meditation Intervention During Weekly Palliative Care Clinical Rounds.
Journal of palliative medicine – April 26, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
A compelling 59% of palliative care clinicians participated in a five-minute group meditation during weekly rounds, highlighting its potential for stress reduction. Among the 23 participants, 54% also practiced meditation weekly outside of work, averaging 53 minutes per session. Those who engaged in meditation reported enhanced satisfaction and perceived control over their stress levels. Interestingly, engagement did not vary by gender or experience, suggesting that this brief intervention could be a valuable tool for improving wellness and combating burnout among healthcare professionals.
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.