Evaluating Digital Mindfulness Interventions for Mental Health and Well-Being in Healthcare Education: A Scoping Review
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Background: Healthcare students face considerable psychological stress due to academic and clinical demands, often leading to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Digital mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as scalable solutions to enhance mental well-being, yet their effectiveness and integration into healthcare curricula remain underexplored. Aim: This scoping review evaluates the efficacy, acceptability, and integration of digital MBIs in improving mental health outcomes among healthcare students. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and Ovid MEDLINE for studies published between 2012 and 2023. Inclusion criteria targeted randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and mixed-method studies evaluating digital MBIs on stress, anxiety, depression, and mindfulness among healthcare students. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the critical appraisal skill program and the mixed-methods appraisal tools. Data extraction followed preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping review guidelines and was mapped to the research aims. Results: Twenty studies were included, encompassing medical ( n = 7), nursing ( n = 4), pharmacy ( n = 3), and other healthcare students ( n = 6). Most studies reported significant reductions in stress ( P < 0.05) and anxiety ( P < 0.01), as well as significant improvements in mindfulness ( P < 0.01). Guided MBIs yielded higher adherence rates than self-guided ones. The effects on burnout and empathy were inconsistent. Intervention duration ranged from 10 days to eight weeks, with varying delivery modes, including mobile apps, video tutorials, and web-based platforms. Conclusion: Digital MBIs are effective in enhancing mental well-being and reducing stress among healthcare students, particularly when guided by instructors. However, inconsistent impacts on burnout and empathy highlight the need for further research. Future studies should evaluate long-term efficacy, scalability, and the integration of MBIs into healthcare curricula to support sustainable mental health interventions.
Authors: Ranjana Garg, Kirstin S. James
Institutions: SEGi University, University of Edinburgh
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4410011513