Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Culturally Adapted Meaning‐Centred Psychotherapy Intervention for Physicians in Portugal

Background Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are particularly vulnerable to burnout and moral distress, increasingly associated with a crisis of meaning in clinical practice. Meaning‐Centred Psychotherapy (MCP) has emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges; however, its application among HCPs remains limited. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a culturally adapted MCP intervention for physicians in Portugal (MCP–HCP‐P). Methods A sequential mixed methods design was conducted. Phase 1 involved a focus group () to assess feasibility and inform adaptation. Phase 2 comprised intervention reformulation. Phase 3 consisted of a pilot trial () evaluating preliminary effectiveness and applicability. Outcomes included meaning in life, moral distress, burnout, resilient coping and meaningful work, assessed at baseline, post‐intervention and 1‐month follow‐up. Qualitative data explored therapeutic mechanisms. Results Participants favoured a biweekly, group‐based, predominantly in‐person format with heterogeneous composition. The adapted intervention included four sessions and a culturally tailored reflection on life and death. Moral distress decreased over time, while burnout and coping remained stable. The intervention was well received, with approximately two‐thirds rating it as useful. Lack of time was the main barrier, while protected time, leadership support, and trained facilitators were key enablers. Qualitative findings identified identity, particularly teamwork and integration of professional and personal identity, as the central source of meaning. Conclusions MCP–HCP‐P appears feasible, acceptable and potentially beneficial, particularly in reducing moral distress and supporting meaning‐making. Addressing existential dimensions of clinical work may enhance HCP well‐being and inform multilevel interventions.