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

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.