The mindful practitioner

The healthcare community is most conscious of the clinical applications of mindfulness in helping patients to prevent, treat or cope with a wide range of health conditions, including its role from preconception care to maternal and child healthcare. There are a number of reasons why its applications for health practitioners themselves are equally important. These include, (1) reducing burnout and supporting practitioner mental health, (2) reducing work stress and enhancing the ability to cope with workload, (3) improving clinical performance and decision making, (4) reducing clinical errors, (5) enhancing communication, empathy and compassion while reducing vicarious stress, (6) improving teamwork and (7) being able to help patients by introducing them to mindfulness-based interventions where indicated. This chapter explores these salient practitioner-focused applications including the evidence and neuroscience surrounding mindfulness. Practical advice and strategies for using mindfulness in the workplace are offered with a particular focus on how it can be used as a central part of clinical training and practice.