Factors affecting implementation of mindfulness in hospital settings: A qualitative meta-synthesis of healthcare professionals' experiences

Randi Karkov Knudsen; Sine Skovbjerg; Elna Leth Pedersen; Camilla Littau Nielsen; Marie Højriis Storkholm; Connie Timmermann

doi:10.1016/j.ijnsa.2024.100192

Factors affecting implementation of mindfulness in hospital settings: A qualitative meta-synthesis of healthcare professionals' experiences

Int J Nurs Stud Adv. 2024 Mar 27:6:100192. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2024.100192. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Authors

Randi Karkov Knudsen^{1

2

3

4}, Sine Skovbjerg⁵, Elna Leth Pedersen^{3

4}, Camilla Littau Nielsen^{4

6}, Marie Højriis Storkholm², Connie Timmermann^{3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Cardiology, Lillebaelt Hospital, Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle 7100, Denmark.
² Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Horsens Regional Hospital, Sundvej 30C, Horsens 8700, Denmark.
³ Centre for Research in Patient Communication, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 12B, Odense C 5000, Denmark.
⁴ Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløwsvej 19, Odense C 5000, Denmark.
⁵ Danish Center for Mindfulness, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Hack Kampmanns Plads 1-3, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark.
⁶ Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 23C, Odense C 5000, Denmark.

Abstract

Background: Researchers have found that mindfulness-based interventions can reduce stress and improve mental health in healthcare professionals, as well as support relationship building, communication, and compassionate care. However, few researchers have systematically examined what determines successful implementation in hospital settings, which is essential for integrating research in clinical practice.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative data regarding healthcare professionals' experiences of factors affecting implementation of mindfulness in hospital settings and outline recommendations for clinical practice.

Design: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.

Data sources: A systematic search was conducted in six databases; Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO (Ovid), Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. The inclusion criteria were: 1) Healthcare professionals engaged in patient care in hospital settings, 2) Mindfulness-based interventions defined by Crane and colleagues', and 3) Primary studies using a qualitative design.

Review methods: Multiple researchers were engaged in screening, quality assessment, data extraction, and interpretation of the results. Thematic synthesis described by Thomas and Harden guided the data analysis. Reporting followed Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ).

Results: Eighteen studies were included. We identified three overall themes of importance for successful implementation: 1) Buying In, 2) Allocating time and space, and 3) Keeping it going. The results revealed that cultural values, held beliefs about mindfulness, inter-professional relationships, and context-related factors such as time and space could affect implementation of mindfulness in hospital settings.

Conclusion: Based on the results, we formulated eight recommendations to guide stakeholders and hospital management in planning implementation of mindfulness in hospital settings. However, to confirm the results, more research where mindfulness implementation is the primary aim is needed.

Keywords: Healthcare professionals; Implementation; Meta-synthesis; Mindfulness; Qualitative research; Systematic Review.

Publication types

Review