Publication

Could mindfulness activity improve occupational health in UK paramedics?

Forster, Christopher
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Keyword
Emergency Medical Services
 Occupational Stress
 Wellbeing
 Mindfulness
 Paramedic Practice
Journal Title
Journal of Paramedic Practice
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Publications - North West Ambulance Service
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URI
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12417/839
DOI
10.12968/jpar.2020.12.5.186
Abstract
Emerging research is supporting the implementation of mindfulness-based strategies for NHS staff. It has been shown that, by spending 10 minutes daily on the activity, health professionals can improve their emotional and cognitive functioning, while reducing work-related rumination. Through an exploratory multi-methods approach, this study sets out to quantify the occupational health levels of paramedics, and establish their appreciation of both their employer's health and wellbeing policy and mindfulness as a concept, for the overall purpose of gaining a qualitative insight into whether mindfulness activity could improve occupational health. Paramedics reported high levels of occupational stress, coupled with minimal levels of knowledge or experience of mindfulness as a health-promoting concept. Structured application of mindfulness strategies within prehospital care may promote a range of health benefits for paramedics, lead to improved organisational efficiency for trusts and support positive outcomes for patients. Abstract published with permission.
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