Non-pharmacological therapies for stress reduction in healthcare workers: An integrative review

Abstract

Background

Healthcare workers are constantly affected by stress due to their work specificities. The damages of this disorder are not limited to the worker, but extend to the entire society. In this sense, intervention actions are necessary for stress control.

Objective

To identify the non-pharmacological therapies used for stress management in healthcare workers and their effects on self-reported and physiological stress.

Methods

Integrative review with article search in the databases Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and PubMed. The descriptors “cortisol”; “stress”, “worker” and their combination with the connector “AND” were used.

Results

A total of 14 articles were selected. The tested non-pharmacological therapies were meditation, yoga, interaction with dogs, self-care and relaxation techniques, physical activity associated with mindfulness, art therapy, auriculotherapy, forest therapy, and sensory body moisturizing. The results were satisfactory in reducing subjective and/or objective stress.

Conclusions

Therapies that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care seem to be effective for stress management in healthcare workers.