Evaluation of Mental Health Effects of a Mindfulness Workshop with Health Professions Students.

Our interprofessional team examined the mental health effects of a pilot mindfulness meditation workshop for college students (n = 39) from 4 health professions. A mixed-methods survey examined students' self-compassion (short form; SCS-sf), perceived stress (PSS-10), and self-reported mindfulness behaviors pre-workshop and at 2 months. The survey captured attitudes, beliefs, and intentions to continue mindfulness practices over time and perceived barriers to mindfulness practice. Participants (69%; 27/39) indicated significantly improved SCS-sf (p=0.016) and significantly reduced PSS (p=0.009) at 2 months post-workshop. Students reported improved mental health after 2 months, but the small sample size limits generalizability of findings. Interprofessional education promoting mindfulness skills may help prevent burnout and empathy fatigue for health professionals entering the workplace.