A Mindful Compassion Care Program to reduce burnout and work-related distress among frontline nurses who cared for patients with COVID-19: A pilot study

Abstract

This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the Mindful Compassion Care Program (MCCP) in reducing burnout and work-related distress among frontline nurses who worked with COVID-19 patients. A non-randomized controlled design with repeated measures was adopted in a large hospital in northern Italy. Thirty-three nurses participated. The intervention group attended a 7-week mindfulness- and compassion-based program, while the control group was waitlisted. Outcomes included emotional exhaustion, cynicism, perceived stress, mindfulness skills, and self-reassurance. Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant group-by-time interactions for emotional exhaustion (ηp² = 0.249), cynicism (ηp² = 0.174), perceived stress (ηp² = 0.166), and mindfulness skills (ηp² = 0.216). Mixed-effects models confirmed significant improvements in perceived stress, mindfulness skills, and self-reassurance. No drop-outs occurred during the intervention phase. The MCCP appears feasible and promising in reducing burnout-related distress. Larger randomized trials are warranted.