Mindfulness in pharmacy: Protocol for a randomised controlled study to determine the benefits of mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) for pharmacy students

Introduction: Economic factors have significantly increased the workload placed on our healthcare professionals, and despite adequate clinical training, pharmacists are not currently provided with any mental training to deal with pressurised working environments. This leads to an increased risk of medication errors and poor patient counselling. Mindfulness is a brain training method which brings the mind into the present moment, hence reducing stress, increasing concentration, and improving communication. A recent report commissioned by the UK government advised that Mindfulness should be introduced into national policy with regards to healthcare, the workplace and education. Methodology: All pharmacy students in Ireland will be invited to participate in this study, and informed consent will be obtained. Qualitative focus groups will assess students' perceptions of mindfulness and the need for training in this area. Tests to measure students' mindfulness, burnout and stress levels, therapeutic alliance and attention levels will be carried out pre and post intervention. The intervention group will complete an 8 week Mindfulness course, based on MBSR. A control group shall be given a Mindfulness article to read, but will not participate in the Mindfulness intervention. Result(s): Levels of stress, burnout, wellness, mindfulness and therapeutic alliance will be assessed in both intervention and control groups before and after participation. Conclusion(s): Patient safety hinges on healthcare professionals who are trained to function at full mental capacity, regardless of their pressurised working environments. Mindfulness could become an integral component of the Pharmacy degree should this study provide the results that are expected.