Poster Presentation: The Effect of a Mindfulness Application on the Perceived Stress and Anxiety of Nurse Anesthesia Students-The Effect of a Mindfulness Application on the Perceived Stress and Anxiety of Nurse Anesthesia Students

The Effect of a Mindfulness Application on the Perceived Stress and Anxiety of Nurse Anesthesia Students

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The study aimed to evaluate the impact of a mindfulness meditation application, Mindshift, on the perceived stress and anxiety levels of student nurse anesthetists (SRNAs). The research, framed in Watson’s caring theory, seeks to fill a gap in existing literature, focusing on the sustained longitudinal effects of such interventions on SRNAs.<br /><br /><strong>Methodology:</strong><br />A quantitative comparative research design was used, involving three cohorts of SRNAs (N=56) who were invited to participate. Ultimately, 36 students agreed, completing electronic informed consent and baseline measures via the DASS-21 tool. The Mindshift application was integrated into their daily routines. Follow-up measures were taken at 1-month, 3-months, and 6-months, with 31 students completing all measures.<br /><br /><strong>Outcomes:</strong><br />For <strong>stress</strong>, there was no overall difference over time, but significant reductions were observed at the 3-month and 6-month intervals. Post-hoc analysis confirmed no improvement from baseline to 1-month but showed significant reductions from 1-month to 3-months, 1-month to 6-months, and 3-months to 6-months.<br /><br />For <strong>anxiety</strong>, no significant change was noted over time generally. However, there was a significant reduction at the 6-month interval. Post-hoc analysis indicated no significant change from baseline to 1-month or from 1-month to 3-months, but significant improvements were seen from 1-month to 6-months and 3-months to 6-months.<br /><br />The results suggest that while mindfulness interventions did not show immediate effects, they were more beneficial over longer periods, emphasizing the need for sustained practice. Limitations include self-reported application usage and potential external factors influencing outcomes. <br /><br /><strong>Conclusions and Recommendations:</strong><br />The mindfulness meditation intervention was found to reduce perceived stress and anxiety over time. The study recommends integrating mindfulness techniques into nurse anesthesia curricula, maintaining regular assessment of SRNA well-being, and considering personalized approaches in future research to address variability due to personality and cultural differences. Further studies should also examine the intensity, duration, and potentially greater benefits of supervised meditation sessions.

Keywords

mindfulness meditation

Mindshift application

perceived stress

anxiety levels

student nurse anesthetists

Watson’s caring theory

DASS-21 tool

longitudinal effects

quantitative research

nurse anesthesia curricula