Evaluation of a Meditation Intervention to Reduce the Effects of Stressors Associated With Compassion Fatigue Among Nurses

J Holist Nurs. 2016 Dec;34(4):343-350. doi: 10.1177/0898010115615981. Epub 2015 Nov 23.

Abstract

Purpose of study: This pilot study evaluated whether short (less than 10 minutes) structured meditations decrease compassion fatigue and improve compassion satisfaction in oncology nurses.

Design of study: A nonrandomized, pre-post intervention study.

Methods used: Participants used specific meditations designed to establish a sense of calm, relaxation, and self-compassion 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Meditations were provided on an audio-CD after brief individual instruction. The Professional Quality of Life Survey, Version 5, was administered pre and post intervention along with supplementary questions.

Findings: Fifteen nurses participated in the study over a 6-month period in 2014. Paired t test revealed that the intervention demonstrated a statistically significant increase in Compassion Satisfaction scores (mean difference = -2.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [-4.98, -0.36], t[14] = -2.48, p = .027, d = 0.63) and decreases in Burnout (mean difference = 4.13, 95% CI = [1.66, 6.60], t[14] = 3.581, p = .003, d = 0.92) and Secondary Trauma (mean difference = 3.00, 95% CI = [0.40, 5.96], t[14] = 2.174, p = .047, d = 0.56) scores. All participants reported increased feelings of relaxation and well-being on supplemental questions.

Conclusions: Even in this small sample, the practice of short breathing and meditation exercises was effective in improving nurse outcomes. A larger study is warranted including tracking sustained effects relative to maintaining a meditation practice.

Keywords: compassion fatigue; nurses; stress and coping.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Compassion Fatigue / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Meditation / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nurses / psychology*
  • Stress, Psychological / complications*
  • Stress, Psychological / therapy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires