Dissertation
Improving the Well-being of Mental Health Staff through Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background: Burnout is a significant issue among mental health professionals, with over 50% reporting symptoms that adversely affect their mental health, the quality of care provided, and workforce stability. The challenges have been exacerbated in the post-pandemic environment, highlighting the need for sustainable, evidence-based interventions. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has been shown to improve emotional resilience and reduce burnout in healthcare settings. Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to implement a mobile, self-guided MBSR intervention to reduce burnout and enhance mindfulness among staff on an acute psychiatric unit. The primary goals were to show improvement in at least one mindfulness skill and reduce one burnout symptom. A secondary goal was to increase staff knowledge about burnout and mindfulness. Methods: Guided by the Iowa Model, this evidence-based practice project was conducted over 14 weeks using the Mindfulness Coach app. pre- and post-intervention data were collected using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL), and the app's Mindfulness Mastery Assessment (n=14). Pre- and post-education surveys assessed knowledge gains (n=14). A Pearson correlation evaluated the relationship between app engagement and mindfulness improvement. Findings: Results showed 100% of participants improved knowledge (p<0.0001). Of the participants, 64.3% demonstrated enhanced mindfulness skills, while 78.6% and 64.3% reported reduced burnout symptoms as measured by the OLBI and ProQOL, respectively. Although these findings were not statistically significant, they reflect clinically meaningful trends. Discussion: Introducing a digital MBSR tool into routine staff workflows is a feasible and scalable approach to addressing burnout in high-acuity psychiatric settings. This intervention supported staff well-being, promoted self-care, and contributed to a cultural shift toward mindfulness in mental healthcare. These findings support future organizational strategies and advocate for ongoing investment in staff wellness.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Improving the Well-being of Mental Health Staff through Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
- Creators
- Sharleen Hughes - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Daniel Wesemann (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Sharleen Hughes
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841527102771
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