Journal of Psychiatry

Mindfulness-Based Interventions in the Mitigation of Adverse Psychological Outcomes Among Healthcare Workers During COVID-19

8^th World Summit on Mental Health, Psychiatry and Wellbeing

September 08-09, 2021 | Webinar

Sneha Banka

Columbia University, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Psychiatry

Abstract:

Background: In recent years, there has been increasing evidence for utilizing mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in treating various mental health conditions and symptoms, including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and burnout. Aim: To evaluate the use, feasibility, and effi cacy of MBIs used during the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in improving mental health symptoms of front-line healthcare workers. Method: Following PRISMA2 guidelines, 3 databases (Pubmed, CINAHL, Embase) were searched and studies were evaluated by three independent researchers. Inclusion criteria consisted of quantitative pre-and post-intervention studies or clinical trials that focused on healthcare workers and implemented MBIs during COVID-19. Results: A total of 4 quantitative studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Interventions used were costeffective and included structured weekly group-based sessions held onsite or online and brief teambased mindfulness practice sessions. All studies collected pre-and post-intervention data using clinical instruments or questionnaires that measured self-reported stress levels, burnout, resiliency, mental health symptoms, and emotion regulation. All studies found statistically signifi cant improvements in outcomes post-intervention. Conclusions: Implementing MBIs is an effective, economical, and logistically feasible strategy for hospitals and medical centers to utilize during COVID-19 to help mitigate adverse mental health outcomes in frontline healthcare workers.