Sensing the lightness: a narrative analysis of an integrative medicine program for healthcare providers in the COVID-19 department

Abstract

Objectives The research addressing physical and emotional exhaustion among healthcare providers (HCPs) in COVID-19 departments is limited. We examined the impact of integrative medicine (IM) intervention for HCPs working in isolated COVID-19 in-patient departments, addressing concerns and well-being. Methods HCPs working in 3 isolated COVID-19 in-patient departments underwent 40-min IM treatment sessions (including acupuncture, manual movement, and/or mind–body modalities) provided by integrative oncology practitioners. The MYCAW (Measure Yourself Concerns and Well-being) questionnaire examined HCP concerns and free-text narratives following IM treatments. Data were qualitatively analyzed using ATLAS.Ti software for systematic coding. Results A total of 181 HCPs underwent 305 IM treatments. Narrative themes focused on physical symptoms (primarily pain and fatigue) and emotional concerns, including perceived communication barriers with patients, and reflections on well-being and insights following IM treatments. HCPs reported feeling a sense of “relief” which was likely related to the 3 main effects of the IM intervention: a sense of “being cared for” and treated; experiencing emotional, sometimes spiritual effects of the treatment; and the feeling of relaxation, combined with the relief of pain. Qualitative analysis identified clusters of emotional and spiritual-related keywords such as “calming,” “release,” “relaxation,” and “disengagement” following the first IM session (119 of 181 narratives, 65.7%). Conclusions HCPs working in isolated COVID-19 departments reported improved well-being and the addressing of their concerns following IM treatment sessions provided during their work shift. Further research is needed to explore the impact of IM on HCP burnout and resilience in palliative care settings.

Complementary and integrative medicine intervention in front-line COVID-19 clinicians

“…Identification of these keywords was conducted through a qualitative analysis, using ATLAS.Ti software for systematic coding of MYCAW free-text narratives provided by the HCPs following the CIM treatment. 12 In the present study, the use of these keywords in HCP narratives was considered an independent variable reflecting a willingness to share emotional experience, and not just the response to a specific outcome. Demographic and clinical characteristics of both groups (HCPs using vs not using the keywords) were analysed using χ 2 test (for categorical variables) and an independent t-test/ Mann-Whitney for continuous variables.…”

“…The decision to designate keywords such as 'calming', 'release', 'relaxation' and 'disengagement' as emotionalspiritual keywords was based on an earlier qualitative study which analysed HCP narratives following a CIM treatment programme. 12 Qualitative research exploring patients' experience following CIM treatments has supported the use of similar keywords. 27 28 Still, the use of 'emotional-spiritual keywords' has not, to the best of our knowledge, been reported in the literature with respect to the CIM treatment experience.…”

Parasympathetic vs. sympathetic changes in heart rate variability following a multimodal integrative medicine intervention for frontline COVID-19 personnel

“…The present study is the continuation of a qualitative examination of HCPs undergoing IM in COVID-19 departments and their expression of ESKs in MYCaW narratives (36). The present study did not have an untreated control group, precluding the ability to reach conclusions explaining the interaction between expression of ESKs and HRV parameters.…”

“…Our research has been examining the effects of IM interventions on physical and emotional exhaustion among HCPs, using patient-reported outcome (PRO) tolls such as the Measure Yourself Concerns and Well-being (MYCaW). The research has shown an improvement in HCP-reported well-being, expressing more emotional- and spiritual-related keywords (ESKs) such as “calming,” “release,” “relaxation,” and “disengagement” (29). We have also shown the effectiveness of IM interventions in improving the well-being of frontline HCPs working in isolated COVID-19 departments, reducing fatigue, emotional-related concerns, and pain (30).…”

Systematic Review of Mind–Body Modalities to Manage the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Era

“…Maintaining the integrity of HCW’s mental health has emerged as an important topic in the COVID-19 pandemic [ 5 ], and the use of MBMs to manage and improve it and prevent progression to mental disorders has received attention [ 11 ]. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, some hospitals have introduced MBMs, including meditation and yoga, to protect the mental health of frontline HCWs [ 12 , 13 ]. Additionally, although contact-to-contact visits to psychiatric clinics have declined due to concerns about SARS-CoV-2 infection [ 14 , 15 ], MBMs are becoming more popular in combination with information and communications technology (ICT) [ 16 ].…”