Garcia ACM, Ferreira ACG, Silva LSR, da Conceição VM, Nogueira DA, Mills J. Mindful Self-Care, Self-Compassion, and Resilience Among Palliative Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
J Pain Symptom Manage 2022;
64:49-57. [PMID:
35292366 PMCID:
PMC8917778 DOI:
10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.03.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT
Given the adverse impact of COVID-19 on the wellbeing of palliative care providers, there is a growing need to better understand protective variables, such as self-care, mindfulness and self-compassion, as they relate to resilience.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate mindful self-care, self-compassion, and resilience as reported by palliative care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS
Descriptive, cross-sectional survey. An electronic questionnaire captured data from validated instruments measuring each study variable, as well as participant demographics and perceived impacts of COVID-19 on professional quality of life.
RESULTS
Positive, statistically significant correlations were found between mindful self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. These variables were also associated with greater satisfaction with professional life and perceived lessened impairment in physical and/or mental health due to a decrease in self-care activities stemming from altered routines during COVID-19. Those with higher resilience had worked in palliative care longer and also reported higher levels of self-compassion and mindful self-care, explaining 50% of variance. Self-compassion, satisfaction with professional life, and changes in self-care routine due to professional activities in the pandemic explained 44.3% of variance in mindful self-care. Self-compassion, female gender, and working as a frontline responder to the COVID-19 pandemic accounted for 35% variance in resilience levels.
CONCLUSIONS
Results from this study extend the currently limited knowledge of self-care, mindfulness and self-compassion, as protective variables related to resilience in palliative care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further longitudinal studies into causal effects on health and wellbeing over time are needed.
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