Experiences of Clinical Clerkship Students With Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: A Qualitative Study on Long-Term Effects

Purpose: To explore the mindfulness practice, its long-term effects, facilitators and barriers, in clinical clerkship students 2 years after participation in an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training.

Method: A qualitative study was performed by semi-structured in-depth interviews with 16 clinical clerkship students selected by purposive sampling. Students had participated in a MBSR training 2 years before and were asked about their current mindfulness practice, and the long-term effects of the MBSR training. Thematic analysis was conducted using the constant comparison method. Data saturation was reached after 16 interviews.

Results: Most interviewees were still engaged in regular, predominantly informal, mindfulness practice, although some discontinued mindfulness practice and reported an "." Three main themes came forward; (1) "" during daily activities as core elements of long-term mindfulness practice; (2) "" that resulted from taking a pause, reflecting, recognizing automatic behavioral patterns and making space for a conscious response; (3) "" by enhanced enjoyment of daily activities, improved work-life-balance and making different career choices. Barriers and facilitators in starting and maintaining mindfulness practice were (1) understanding and intention as ""; (2) practical, personal, and professional factors of students in maintaining practice.

Conclusion: Two years after participation in a MBSR training, many interviewees were still engaged in (mostly informal) mindfulness practice contributing to both personal and professional changes. In light of the high clerkship demands, MBSR training could be a valuable addition to medical curricula, supporting medical students in developing necessary competencies to become well-balanced professionals.