It is widely acknowledged that healthcare professionals (HCPs) report high levels of psychological distress and burnout. These issues, especially in the long-term, can lead to poor patient care. In recent years, interventions that aim to increase psychological flexibility (composed of acceptance, mindfulness, and values), such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), have been found beneficial for improving mental health in challenging working environments (e.g., banks, organisations). However, the research to date has been primarily unable to test: a) whether ACT interventions are effective for improving distress, burnout and patient safety in HCPs; b) the aspects of psychological flexibility most strongly related to mental health in HCPs and in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic; c) whether ACT interventions can be improved by the inclusion of self-compassion.
A quantitative approach was taken to address these gaps. During Study 1, a systematic review and meta-analysis found that ACT was beneficial for reducing psychological distress and burnout in HCPs. In Study 2, a randomised-controlled trial study found that this intervention, via psychological flexibility and self-compassion, was effective for decreasing psychological distress in NHS staff. Study 3, using a cross-sectional design, suggested that mindfulness-based interventions for HCPs may benefit from the inclusion of values-based action training components, and the integration of self-compassion principles and practices. Lastly, Study 4, using a longitudinal design, found that psychological flexibility and self-compassion variables were associated with higher wellbeing and life satisfaction and lower burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In combination, these findings found that psychological flexibility, and ACT interventions, are beneficial to improve mental health in HCPs and in the general population. Mindfulness, values and self-compassion were found the most effective processes. These results are useful for researchers, healthcare managers, clinicians, and stakeholders wanting to use this intervention in a healthcare context and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
