Abstract
Mindfulness groups have become widespread and the evidence for efficacy in inpatient settings is developing. The current paper looks at the development and application of a mindfulness group for both staff and service users on an inpatient unit. Seventeen participants (7 staff, 10 clients) attended a 9 week mindfulness group based on a long stay inpatient unit. The group was demonstrated to be positively received and increased participant’s confidence in applying mindfulness skills. Challenges with attendance and the ward environment were highlighted. Mixed groups of this nature appear to be feasible and well received in these contexts. Experiences of the group and the future directions are discussed.
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Appendices
Appendix 1
Session Topics
Each session was based around an experiential mindfulness exercise. These exercises were drawn from a number of sources including Chadwick, Kabat-Zinn, Teasdale, Williams and others. Participants would then spend time discussing and reflecting on this. Sessions lasted approximately 40 min to 1 h.
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1.
What is mindfulness and how can it be helpful?
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Living in the past and the future: the problem of worrying about worry
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Switching off autopilot
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Mindfulness grounded in the body
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Letting go of our reactions
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Mindfulness in everyday life
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Turning towards difficult experiences
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Noticing our thoughts as thoughts—not facts
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Working towards acceptance
Appendix 2
Questions Asked in Focus Group Interviews
What were your reasons for attending the group?
Has your understanding of what mindfulness is changed since starting the group?
Did you have the opportunity to practice mindfulness during the group?
Have you practiced mindfulness outside of the group?
Will you take anything away from the group?
In what ways was the group useful?
In what ways was it less useful?
What could we do differently?
Any other comments or reflections on the group?
Appendix 3
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Oddi, M., Bennett, R. Mixed Staff and Client Mindfulness Groups in a Long Stay Inpatient Setting: An Evaluation. J. Psychosoc. Rehabil. Ment. Health 3, 95–100 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-016-0063-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-016-0063-8