"I seemed calmer, clearer, and better able to react to challenging situations": phenomenological reflections on learning about mindfulness in health professions education.

It is widely acknowledged that healthcare practitioner well-being is under threat, as many factors like excessive workloads, perceived lack of organizational support, the rapid introduction of new technologies, repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other factors have transformed the health care workplace. Distress, anxiety and burnout are on the rise, and are particularly concerning for health professions' students who must navigate challenging academic and clinical demands, in addition to personal responsibilities. While not a panacea for the systemic issues at play, 'mindfulness practices' have shown some promise in supporting students to navigate stressful environments. Yet despite calls for more phenomenological studies, little is known about health professions students' lived experiences of learning about and using mindfulness in higher education contexts. The objective of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to inquire into the first-hand lived experiences of health professions students by examining their written reflections on learning about and using mindfulness in a higher education context. The study reports on themes identified in an analysis of students' phenomenological reflections written during and following a mindfulness elective course offered at a Canadian University. The analysis revealed four predominant themes: (a) reframing perceptions, (b)'being' while 'doing', (c) witnessing the struggle, and (d) compassion for self and others. In a time when health professionals are increasingly under strain, and systemic reform is needed but slow to take shape, the findings of this study reveal potential affordances of mindfulness for helping students to navigate the myriad of challenges they face. The findings are unique in their in-depth exploration of students' reflections on the experience of learning about and engaging in 'mindfulness practices' in a higher education context. The findings contribute first-hand perspectives to the evolving field of mindfulness education research and generate new conversations about mindfulness education in the health professions curriculum.

Mindfulness in paediatric occupational therapy practice: a phenomenological inquiry.

PURPOSE: While research into mindfulness practices is on the rise across populations, there is evidence to suggest that clinical practice has outpaced the literature with regard to mindfulness in pediatric rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of occupational therapists who opt to incorporate mindfulness into their clinical practices with children and youth. METHODS: Hermeneutic phenomenology was the methodology of the study. The theoretical framework employed a Heideggerian-informed phenomenology of practice. Eight occupational therapists practicing in Canada and the United States participated in 90-120 min semi-structured interviews that elicited first-hand accounts of mindfulness in pediatric occupational therapy practice. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Finlay's four-step approach. RESULTS: Six salient themes were identified in the data: drawing from personal practice, enhancing participation, fostering healthy habits, adapting for children, keeping it playful, and doing with. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study offer insights for therapists who are considering incorporating mindfulness into their practices with children and youth. Further, this research highlights a number of research priorities that require further inquiry.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONMindfulness is growing in popularity and may support occupational engagement in children and youth receiving rehabilitation services.Mindfulness practices may support rehabilitation providers in approaching their work with children and youth from a critical perspective.Further development of the child- and youth-centred mindfulness approaches may be warranted to enhance engagement and appropriateness for a range of ages and conditions.

Mindfulness and therapeutic relationships: A phenomenological inquiry into paediatric occupational therapists' practices.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of literature points to the potential of mindfulness to support therapeutic relationships, and the importance of the therapeutic relationship when working with children and youth, yet little attention has been paid to this topic in occupational therapy. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to inquire into occupational therapists' experiences of mindfulness in the therapeutic relationship with children and youth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hermeneutic phenomenology was the methodological approach, with Heidegger's concepts of being-with and care as theoretical underpinnings of the study. Eight North American occupational therapists participated in semi-structured interviews that elicited first-hand accounts of mindfulness in the therapeutic relationship with children and youth. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a phenomenological approach. RESULTS: Four key themes were identified: fostering a safe space, enhancing presence, being authentic, and cultivating acceptance. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The findings offer insights regarding the potential affordances of mindfulness to support clinicians in the development of therapeutic relationships with children and youth. Further, this study highlights research priorities for future inquiry.