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

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.