Evaluating a Mindfulness Booster Course for Healthcare Staff
This study aims to discover if a special mindfulness 'booster' course can help healthcare staff lower their stress levels even more, especially if they've already taken an initial mindfulness course. Researchers want to see if this booster course, compared to simply continuing with usual ways of managing stress, makes a difference. They'll measure participants' stress, wellbeing, and other feelings at the start, middle, and end of the study to understand if the benefits last for about two months. The goal is to find new ways to support the mental health of our healthcare heroes.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Healthcare staff often face stressful situations, and many have found mindfulness helpful. This study is for those healthcare workers who have already completed an 8-week mindfulness course and are looking for ways to keep their stress down.
The researchers want to find out if a shorter, 'booster' mindfulness course can help reduce stress levels even more. They also want to see if any benefits from this booster course last for about eight weeks after it ends. To do this, they will compare two groups: one group will take the booster course, and the other will continue with their usual ways of managing stress and looking after their wellbeing. By comparing these groups, the study hopes to understand how effective this booster course really is.
Ultimately, this research matters because it could lead to better ways to support the mental health and wellbeing of people working in healthcare. If the booster course is proven to be helpful, it could become a valuable tool for reducing stress and improving how staff cope with the demands of their jobs, helping them to feel more present and less overwhelmed.
Key takeaways
- A study for UK NHS staff who have completed an 8-week mindfulness course.
- Compares a mindfulness 'booster' course to usual ways of managing stress.
- Aims to see if the booster course reduces stress and if benefits last for 8 weeks.
- Involves completing questionnaires at different times over approximately 20 weeks.
- Participation could help improve support for healthcare staff wellbeing.
- You can leave the study at any point without explanation.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a staff member working for the NHS in the UK. Importantly, you must have already completed a full 8-week mindfulness course, such as those often called MBCT or MBSR. You will be considered to have completed a course if you attended at least four of the sessions.
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are currently off work due to illness, or if you are planning to take another full 8-week mindfulness course at the same time. Also, if you have found mindfulness practice upsetting or distressing in the past, or if you have previously taken part in a trial for this specific mindfulness booster course, then this study might not be suitable for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you an NHS staff member in the UK?
- Have you completed an 8-week mindfulness course (e.g., MBCT, MBSR) and attended at least 4 sessions?
- Are you currently at work (not on sick leave)?
- Have you generally found practicing mindfulness helpful, not distressing, in the past?
- Are you able to attend scheduled booster course sessions if placed in that group?
- Are you not planning to do another 8-week mindfulness course during this study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to complete some questionnaires at three different times: once at the very beginning, once in the middle, and again at the end of the study period. You will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. If you are in the 'mindfulness booster course' group, you will attend the booster sessions. If you are in the 'usual care' group, you will continue with your normal activities for looking after your wellbeing, just as you would usually do.
The booster course typically involves several sessions. You will be asked if you can make one of the set times for these sessions before you even know which group you're in. The total study duration, from the first questionnaire to the last, will be about 20 weeks (roughly 5 months), including follow-up checks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Sussex Mindfulness CentreVerified postcodeWorthing, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is a mindfulness 'booster' course?
It's a shorter course designed to refresh and deepen mindfulness skills for people who have already taken an initial full mindfulness course.
Do I have to pay to join the study?
No, there are no costs for taking part in this research study.
What if I feel worse during the study?
You are free to leave the study at any time if you feel it's not right for you. Your wellbeing is the priority.
Will I definitely get to do the mindfulness booster course?
Not necessarily. Participants are randomly put into either the booster course group or a 'usual care' group, like drawing names out of a hat.
How much of my time will this study take up?
The study involves completing a few questionnaires over about 20 weeks. If you get the booster course, you'll also attend those sessions.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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