Feasibility evaluation of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program for primary care professionals in Brazilian national health system

Abstract

Background and purpose: In the last decades, an increasing body of scientific studies has shown mindfulness-based interventions as efficacious for reducing stress, including among primary care professionals. Despite the strength of the evidence, mindfulness-based interventions still are not widely adopted as a clinical practice in national health systems. The aim of the present study was to conduct a feasibility evaluation of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program for primary care professionals in Brazilian national health system.

Materials and methods: A pilot mindfulness program was conducted through the course of four weekly encounters in the municipality of Biguaçu with the participation of 26 primary care professionals. Data was collected through direct observations and four self-report questionnaires. The information was used to complete an evaluation matrix and reach a value judgment about the feasibility level of the components of the mindfulness-based program.

Results: The subdimensions Integration, Demand, and Acceptability were judged as "Highly Feasible", the subdimension Practicality was judged as "Feasible" and the subdimension Adaptation was judged as "Lowly Feasible". The results indicated that there is a high demand for stress-reduction interventions within the context of primary care and the acceptability by the stakeholders (participants and management) was excellent. However, the two main barriers found were the need for a brief version of the program to accommodate the restrictive timetable of the primary care professionals and the low retention rates.

Conclusion: The implementation of a mindfulness-based program for primary care professionals in Brazilian national health system was judged as "Feasible". Further studies need to conduct the feasibility evaluation in other municipalities and with larger sample sizes to ensure the generalizability of these results.

Keywords: Burnout; Complementary therapies; Feasibility studies; Mindfulness; Primary health care; Professional.