Mindfulness, Health, Well-being, and Patient Care of Oncologists

摘要: MINDFULNESS, HEALTH, WELL-BEING, AND PATIENT CARE OF ONCOLOGISTS By Amanda C. Kracen, M.S. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree Doctor Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. University, 2009. Major Director: Kathleen M. Ingram, J.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor Psychology, Department Psychology Demands on physicians workplace are growing, as occupational and psychosocial stressors they encounter. However, there is scant research regarding physicians, their patient care, strategies that enhance well-being. Mindfulness, ability to be present moment, increasingly being encouraged among healthcare workers personal benefits possible positive effects patients. Thus, study examined (a) health, wellbeing, care practices oncologists, (b) relationship between oncologists’ mindfulness health indicators (general sleep problems) with three outcomes (satisfaction life [SWL], job satisfaction, suboptimal care), (c) whether moderated outcome variables. Survey data were collected from oncologists who members American Society Clinical Oncologists (N = 114, response rate 29%). Participants predominantly male (76%), Caucasian (78%), married (84%), featured a mean age 52 years an average work week 58 hours. Half (51%) reported sleeping 6 or fewer hours per night duration was 6.3 Thirty-five percent not getting adequate 57% believed lack interfered daily functioning. They very good general high levels trait mindfulness, satisfaction lives jobs. engaging occasional attitudes. About 20% endorsed some burnout, but only 12% considering changing jobs next 5 years. Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated predicted greater SWL, less whereas SWL beyond variance accounted by health. Sleep problems problems. Finally, care; increased low actually improved. Possible explanations findings presented implications well-being discussed.