Effect of mindfulness-based training on nurses’ fatigue: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: This investigation aimed to detect the effect of mindfulness-based training (MBT) on nurses' level of mindfulness and physical, mental, and compassion fatigue. BACKGROUND: Physical, mental, and compassion fatigue are common among nurses. Previous literature demonstrated that MBT can help nurses cope with stress and increase their overall well-being. METHODS: This investigation was conducted from May 2019 to January 2020 among 116 nurses from a Grade 3 A general hospital in Shandong Province, China. Participants were classified into intervention (n = 58) and control groups (n = 58) in a random manner, employing the random number table technique. The intervention group received 4 weeks of MBT, while no intervention was applied in the control group. The data collection process employed several validated instruments, such as the demographic information form, the Fatigue Scale-14, and the Professional Quality of Life Scale v5. Measures were obtained at five time points: At baseline, at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months post-intervention. The intention-to-treat principle was followed throughout the data analysis process. A generalized estimation equation model and t-test were used to examine the effects of intervention on nurses' physical, mental, and compassion fatigue, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 127 nurses were enrolled, with 116 completing all assessments. Post-intervention, the intervention group illustrated significant decreases in physical, mental, and compassion fatigue compared with the control group (p < 0.05). At the 1-month follow-up, physical fatigue variations were non-significant, and at the six-month follow-up, differences in mental and compassion fatigue were also non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: MBT is efficient in reducing physical, mental, and compassion fatigue among nurses, but with differing durability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR2100054818; 2021-12-27 retrospective registration https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=144,853.