PERCEPTION OF MINDFULNESS PRACTICE AMONG NURSES IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN SINGAPORE : A QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background Mindfulness involves the awareness of the present moment, a non-judgemental acceptance attitude. Mindfulness intervention aims relieve stress and improve individual’s well-being among healthcare professionals and other populations. In the study hospital, mindfulness was introduced to nurses during orientation and some of them attended formal mindfulness trainings. It is important to understand nurses’ views towards mindfulness and how knowledge learned can help them. Previous studies mainly focused on the effects of mindfulness on patients, caregivers, nursing students and mental health nurses. However, limited research was conducted on nurses in general who encounter various stressors at work (such as complex patients care and advanced healthcare technology). Aim The aim of this study is to explore the perception of mindfulness among nurses in a tertiary hospital and to further explore how mindfulness knowledge and practice benefit them at work. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was adopted. A purposive sampling design was used to recruit 15 participants from the general hospital, who have attended the mindfulness session. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted over two months. Thematic analysis was then used to analyse the data. Results Five themes were emerged from data analysis, namely, “Alertness in emotions and surroundings within self and others and emotional regulation”, “Perceived benefits of mindfulness practice at work”, “Perception of workload as a barrier to mindfulness practice”, “Personal beliefs, attitudes and knowledge on mindfulness” and “Suggested strategies to encourage mindfulness practice at work”. Implications Study findings have identified the nurses’ perceptions towards mindfulness and the importance to educate nurses on mindfulness in detail. This helps them to understand the rationale and benefits for practicing mindfulness. Conclusion This research study serves as a basis for future research to further explore nurses’ perceptions on mindfulness, especially in other healthcare settings, to better improve their well-being.