Document Type
Capstone
Abstract
Background: Occupational therapy can be an emotionally demanding profession that is not immune to the effects of stress and burnout. Studies on mindfulness have found this practice can be a useful tool to relieve the symptoms of burnout. This capstone project aimed to help therapy practitioners working in a high productivity setting of skilled nursing understand the stress and burnout related to healthcare and how mindfulness practice positively influences stress management and client-centered practice. Methods: This project involved an in-service presentation with a pre- and post-survey for therapy practitioner participants educating on research related to stress and burnout experiences for healthcare workers and mindfulness practice benefits. A two-week mindfulness activity and postsurvey were offered for willing participants to trial mindfulness practice. Using the results from the electronic surveys, changes in understanding of stress, burnout, and mindfulness were compared as well as perceptions of engaging in mindfulness practice. Results: Participants that engaged in the in-service presentation found benefit in learning about mindfulness practice. Respondents to the surveys were more aware of the symptoms and progression of burnout. There was an increased understanding of the concept of mindfulness and further interest to learn more and practice mindfulness after the in-service presentation. Participants in the two-week mindfulness activity found benefits of decreased physical burnout symptoms with increased motivation at work. Conclusions: Educating therapy practitioners on recognition of burnout symptoms, how stress affects occupational performance, and the many benefits mindfulness provides in the management of stress was realized through completion of this capstone project. Participants of the in-service and two-week activity realized positive results from learning about mindfulness. There was a growing interest to learn more about this topic as a stress management strategy that can be used in both professional and personal lives. This Capstone project is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree in Master of Occupational Therapy with Cabarrus College of Health Sciences.
Publication Date
4-12-2021
Recommended Citation
Shepherd, Samuel, "Mindfulness for the Occupational Therapy Practitioner: Enhancing Client-Centered Practice and Stress Management" (2021). MOT Student Capstones. 69.
https://riches.cabarruscollege.edu/mot-student-capstones/69
