The Effect of a Combined Nature-based and Virtual Mindfulness Intervention on Perceived Stress in Healthcare Workers
Stress, Psychological, Sleep Disturbance, Burnout, Caregiver
About this trial
This is an interventional supportive care trial for Stress, Psychological focused on measuring Resilience, Mindfulness, Meditation, Nature, Interventions, COVID-19, Pandemic, Healthcare workers
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- Is 18 years old or older
- Is a healthcare worker that cares for patients with COVID-19
- Has access to technology to access study resources online
- Is fluent in English
- Is able to provide their own consent
Exclusion: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Is experiencing an acute psychiatric condition
- Has a hearing impairment that is not modified with aids or devices
Sites / Locations
- National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
No Intervention
Active Comparator
Experimental
Control
Nature Only
Nature+Mindfulness
The control group will complete the first three assessments similar to the two treatment groups but will not participate in the nature-based or virtual mindfulness interventions. At the end of their study participation (~week 3), they will be offered the opportunity to partake in the nature-based and virtual mindfulness interventions.
The nature-based intervention is three days long, is offered at various locations throughout the United States, and includes activities such as hiking, mountain-biking, and kayaking. The healthcare workers can participate in the programs that are offered locally pending availability. Each program will enroll between 15 and 30 healthcare workers. All First Descents nature-based interventions have been intentionally designed with input from more than 450 hospital partners nationwide to improve psychosocial health, nurture supportive peer relationships, and better position healthcare workers to carry out their critical mission. There is no cost to attend, and meals and lodging are included. Special precautions against SARS-CoV-2 transmission are implemented.
In the combined nature-based and virtual mindfulness intervention, participants will complete the nature intervention followed by the mindfulness intervention. The virtual mindfulness intervention is 10 days long and offered online. Each day the participant will receive a notification that a new mindfulness audio is ready for viewing, which is from 10 to 25 minutes long. Mindfulness exercises include mindful breathing, body scan, and loving-kindness meditation. Participants can view the daily audio as many times as they wish but cannot view the next day's content to maintain treatment fidelity. At the end of each day, participants will be asked to indicate if they viewed the mindfulness audio to track adherence.