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An online mindfulness-based intervention for undergraduate pharmacy students: Results of a mixed-methods feasibility study.

Currents in pharmacy teaching & learning
September 1, 2019
Michelle O'Driscoll et al. (5 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an online mindfulness-based intervention and determine its effect on pharmacy students' wellbeing.

Results Summary

The intervention group showed increased professional efficacy and observing scores, with males improving in stress and non-judgement levels and females in professional efficacy. Participants reported stress reduction and heightened emotional awareness.

Population

Pharmacy students at four schools in Ireland

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Four weeks

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (7)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
online mindfulness-based intervention
increase
professional efficacy
intervention group
-
an increase
#1
online mindfulness-based intervention
increase
observing scores
intervention group
-
an increase
#2
online mindfulness-based intervention
decrease
stress levels
Males
-
greater improvements
#3
online mindfulness-based intervention
increase
non-judgement levels
Males
-
greater improvements
#4
online mindfulness-based intervention
increase
professional efficacy
females
-
improvement
#5
online mindfulness-based intervention
decrease
stress
Participants
-
self-reported stress reduction
#6
online mindfulness-based intervention
increase
awareness of emotions
Participants
-
increased awareness
#7
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Stress negatively impacts pharmacy students' physical and mental health. Mindfulness has been shown to improve student wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an online mindfulness-based intervention and determine its effect on student wellbeing. METHODS: A quasi-randomised controlled trial was conducted at four pharmacy schools in Ireland. The intervention group took part in a four-week online mindfulness course. The control group received usual education, with delayed access to the course. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the General Health Questionnaire, the Jefferson Scale of Empathy - Health Profession Student version, the Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey (MBI-SS), and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention. Answers provided to questions about the experience of participating in the course were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Of the 52 participants, no significant differences were found between the intervention and control groups at baseline. Post-intervention, an increase in professional efficacy, as measured by the MBI-SS, was found in the intervention group (p = 0.004). There was also an increase in observing scores (p = 0.003). Males showed greater improvements in stress (p = 0.04) and non-judgement (p = 0.03) levels. Only females demonstrated improvement in professional efficacy (p = 0.002). Participants self-reported stress reduction and increased awareness of emotions. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into the feasibility and acceptability of an online mindfulness course for pharmacy students. Findings will inform the future design and implementation of larger studies.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdolescentAdultCurriculumEducation, PharmacyFeasibility StudiesFemaleHumansInternetIrelandMaleMindfulnessQualitative ResearchStudents, PharmacySurveys and Questionnaires
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality70/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations27
Citations/Year4.5
Relative Citation Ratio2.91
NIH Percentile84.3%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.75
Weight Score2.14
Normalized Score0.64
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An online mindfulness-based intervention for undergraduate p... | Panacea Index