Mindfulness for Psychiatric Day Hospital Patients

Abstract

Background and Local Problem: Psychiatric day hospitals are vital for preventing hospitalizations and re-admissions to psychiatric inpatient units. Evidence from the literature on mindfulness-based therapies shows the most significant benefit for patients with depressive and anxious symptoms; these are 60 percent of the client symptoms at the selected day hospital. This quality improvement project implemented a mindfulness program to assist staff in educating and sustaining this program. Interventions: The purpose of this project was to implement and evaluate a mindfulness program for psychiatric day hospital outpatients, using the Daily Mindful Responding Scale on admission and discharge. The curriculum was a shortened mindfulness program with two 15-minute meditations every day using public domain mindfulness meditations. Groups were administered by the lead therapist or mental health technician. The Daily Mindful Reminding Scale was completed by each participant on admission and discharge. This scale was simplified with collaboration by the author to a 5th grade reading level. Results: Total mindfulness scores for 15 participants were analyzed using a paired t-test. The mean scores increasing from admission (M=17.73, SD=5.25) to discharge (M=26.13, SD=5.25); the results were statistically significant; t= -4.00, P= <0.01, one-tailed. Limitations of this study included small sample size due to low census and admission to the program. Rate of completion of the study was 15/25. Patients who did not complete the study either discharged against medical advice or were admitted inpatient due to worsening of symptoms. Conclusions: The author recommends continuing the program in that several patients did have an increase in mindfulness. Continued evaluation of the program with a larger sample size is recommended.