Impact of heartfulness meditation practice compared to the gratitude practices on wellbeing and work engagement among healthcare professionals: Randomized trial

Main Goal and Fundamental Concept:

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of Heartfulness meditation and gratitude practices on the wellbeing and work engagement of healthcare professionals. The core hypothesis is that both interventions can enhance psychological wellbeing and professional engagement, with potential differences in their efficacy.

Technical Approach:

The study employed a randomized controlled trial design involving healthcare professionals. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: one practicing Heartfulness meditation and the other engaging in gratitude exercises. Both interventions were delivered over a specified period, with participants receiving guidance on their respective practices. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using standardized questionnaires to measure wellbeing and work engagement levels.

Distinctive Features:

• Comparative Analysis: Unlike studies focusing on a single intervention, this research directly compares two distinct practices—meditation and gratitude exercises—providing insights into their relative effectiveness.
• Target Population: Focusing on healthcare professionals addresses a high-stress group, especially relevant given the increased demands on this workforce.
• Practical Interventions: Both Heartfulness meditation and gratitude practices are low-cost, accessible, and can be easily integrated into daily routines.

Experimental Setup and Results:

Participants underwent baseline assessments measuring wellbeing and work engagement. Following the intervention period, these assessments were repeated. The results indicated that both groups experienced improvements in wellbeing and work engagement, with the Heartfulness meditation group showing a more pronounced effect. This suggests that while both practices are beneficial, Heartfulness meditation may offer greater enhancements in these areas.

Advantages and Limitations:

Advantages:

• Randomized Design: Enhances the validity of the findings by reducing selection bias.
• Accessible Interventions: Both practices can be easily adopted without significant resources.
• Relevant Population: Addresses the needs of healthcare professionals, a group particularly susceptible to burnout.

Limitations:

• Self-Reported Measures: Reliance on self-assessment questionnaires may introduce bias.
• Short-Term Study: The study's duration may not capture long-term effects of the interventions.
• Lack of Control Group: Absence of a non-intervention control group limits the ability to attribute changes solely to the interventions.

Conclusion:

This randomized trial demonstrates that both Heartfulness meditation and gratitude practices can positively impact the wellbeing and work engagement of healthcare professionals, with Heartfulness meditation showing a potentially greater effect. These findings support the incorporation of such practices into wellness programs for healthcare workers. However, further research with longer follow-up periods and inclusion of control groups is recommended to substantiate and expand upon these results.