The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an online, asynchronous mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention on symptoms of compassion fatigue for medical speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Although there is evidence that modified versions of MBSR programs, such as online-delivery models, can reduce compassion fatigue symptoms among various healthcare providers, the population of speech-language pathology has not been studied previously. In this ABA, single subject research design, a recruitment of seven participants completed and eight-week online, asynchronous mindfulness-based stress reduction program. Participants were full-time employed medical speech-language pathologists holding Certificate of Clinical Competence and state licensure and reported average to high levels of perceived stress. The online, asynchronous MBSR program consisted of one to two-hour weekly modules on a given topic of mindfulness that was access online at the leisure of the participant and included practice application activities. Weekly measurements of compassion fatigue symptoms were collected via the Professional Quality of Life Scale, version 5 (ProQOL5). Results suggested an online, asynchronous MBSR program was effective at reducing compassion fatigue symptoms of both burnout and secondary traumatic stress for medical SLPs. These findings contribute to the body of literature investigating remediation strategies for various healthcare providers experiencing compassion fatigue.
Keywords: mindfulness-based stress reduction, speech-language pathologists, burnout, compassion fatigue
