“Compassion is our assignment”. Implementing mindfulness and compassion training in a palliative care center

A qualitative study

Abstract

A growing body of research shows that mindfulness-based programs are proving beneficial in promoting the psychological well-being of hospital staff. In most mindfulness courses, however, little effort is usually made to ensure the transfer of what has been learned into everyday work. A ten-week program was designed and evaluated with the aim of developing a mindfulness program tailored to the needs of hospital staff. The course consisted of an introductory day and nine practice days, during which a meditation teacher imparted the content of the course directly at the hospital. The training included mindfulness and compassion practices (Metta and Tonglen meditation). Twenty-eight staff members of a palliative care center participated in the study. The present qualitative study examined the incorporation of the course in the subjective perspectives of the participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all participants and analyzed using a reconstructive analysis method. Although the course met with a positive response from participants, the staff felt a strong need to position themselves as very mindful and compassionate employees. In some cases, they disassociated themselves from the content of the course. It should be noted, however, that employees understand compassion as synonymous with empathy. Mindfulness programs for hospital staff should address the specific situation of the particular team as well as the ethical roots of mindfulness and compassion practices.