Can the practice of mindfulness reduce medical errors?

Abstract

Purpose: In this article we consider the impact of mindfulness as an effective method of coping with stress and review the available literature on this topic; in addition, we share our 5 years of experience working with final year medical students. Views: Working in a hospital is a demanding and stressful job. Despite the rapid development of new technologies, the number of medical errors is not decreasing. In this paper we look for effective methods to improve medical education with a focus on the effects of stress on situational awareness (SA) and executive functions (EF). This study provides information on the beneficial effects of mindfulness techniques that, by influencing EF and SA, can directly reduce physicians’ errors. Conclusions: The authors of this paper contend that effective methods of coping with stress, including mindfulness, should be considered as an additional subject in the final years of medical education.