The effect of a brief mindfulness-based stress reduction program on strengthening awareness of medical errors and risks among nursing students

Abstract

Information: Healthcare professionals' awareness of medical errors and risks results in effective medical error reporting and patient safety. Mindfulness has positive effects on strengthening attention and awareness. However, little is known about the use of mindfulness in patient safety education among nursing students. This study aimed to examine if a brief mindfulness-based stress reduction program would have a beneficial impact on (a) medical error attitudes, (b) the number of medical errors and risks in a simulation environment, and (c) self-confidence and satisfaction among nursing students. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a control group was conducted with 78 third-year nursing students at a private, accredited, nursing program in Istanbul, Türkiye. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in the intervention group between the pre-test and post-test for medical error attitudes (p < 0.001), and the number of medical errors and risks in a simulation environment (p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in the intervention and control groups for self-confidence and satisfaction (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that a brief mindfulness-based stress reduction program positively strengthens nursing students' awareness of medical errors and risks.