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

This investigation aimed to detect the effect of mindfulness-based training (MBT) on nurses’ level of mindfulness and physical, mental, and compassion fatigue. 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. 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. 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. MBT is efficient in reducing physical, mental, and compassion fatigue among nurses, but with differing durability. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR2100054818; 2021-12-27 retrospective registration https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=144,853.