Effectiveness of stress-reduction interventions on HCW stress

Editor's Note

This updated review from the Netherlands examines the effect of individual-level stress management interventions on stress symptoms in healthcare workers (HCWs).

Included in the analysis are 117 research studies with 11,119 HCW participants worldwide. The participants were randomly allocated to different interventions, and their stress levels were evaluated using surveys at three time periods—near-term (up to 3 months post-intervention), mid-term (between 3 and 12 months), and long-term (over 1 year after the intervention).

Interventions included cognitive-behavioral training, communication proficiency, assertiveness training, relaxation, mindfulness meditation, physical exercise, massage therapy, acupuncture, and music therapy.

Overall, the findings indicate that individual-level interventions can have an effect on stress reduction in HCWs, whether they focus one’s attention on or away from the stress, and the effect may last up to a year. A combination of interventions may be beneficial also, at least in the short term.

The researchers concluded that reducing stress and burnout in HCWs could be a crucial step in retaining staff and addressing healthcare workforce shortages.