Mindfulness-based organisational education: an evaluation of a mindfulness course delivered to employees at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital

Abstract

Objectives
Healthcare staff can be prone to high levels of stress and research investigating mindfulness-based courses for this population is showing promise. Given the demands of healthcare work, shortened mindfulness courses may be more appropriate. The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of a workplace-adapted mindfulness course (MBOE) in a hospital setting, including research on workplace-specific outcomes beyond stress reduction and data relating to home practice with a mobile app.

Method
The effects of assignment to a workplace-adapted, 6-week mindfulness course or a waitlist control condition on dispositional mindfulness, perceived stress and fulfilment of basic psychological needs at work were examined in a sample of 65 hospital staff.

Results
Compared with waitlist, staff taking the course showed significant increases in mindfulness and psychological need fulfilment and reductions in perceived stress. Mean levels of perceived stress reduced from a high level to within published norms. Reductions in stress and increases in mindfulness, autonomy and competence remained stable at follow-up. Increased mindfulness mediated improvements in need fulfilment and reductions in stress. Attendance and use of a mobile app for home practice were associated with positive outcomes. Social factors (relatedness) associated with the delivery and outcome of the course were also explored.

Conclusions
The results indicate that a workplace-adapted, short-format mindfulness course can achieve positive results in line with mindfulness courses for other contexts. Questions were raised regarding which distinct elements may improve outcomes, e.g. home practice and dispositional mindfulness vs. learning environment on more general improvements.

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