Evaluating the Meditation Practices and Barriers to Adopting Mindful Medicine Among Physicians

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain affects over 25% of U.S. adults and is a leading cause of disability. Mindfulness meditation (MM) is a nonpharmacologic approach to manage pain and improve well-being. Despite mounting evidence supporting its efficacy, MM remains underutilized in medical practice. Understanding physicians’ engagement with MM and the barriers they face can inform strategies for integration into clinical care. This study assessed physicians’ attitudes toward MM, including barriers to practice and their likelihood of recommending it to patients. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of U.S. physicians was conducted from April to July 2024. Participants provided information on demographics, health struggles, and meditation practices and completed the Determinants of Meditation Practice Inventory-Revised to evaluate barriers. Results: Of 171 respondents, 37.4% meditated weekly, primarily for stress relief. Regular meditators were significantly more likely to recommend MM to patients (90.6%) compared to past (75%) or non-meditators (46.8%; P < .0001). Common barriers included time constraints (50.9%) and prioritizing other tasks (51.5%). Non- and past meditators reported low perceived benefits and inadequate knowledge (P ≤ .0001). Conclusion: Physicians’ engagement with MM influences their likelihood of recommending it. Addressing barriers through education, training, and promoting brief practices could enhance MM adoption and integration into clinical care.