The mediating role of psychological well-being in the relationship between mindfulness and patient education implementation among oncology nurses: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose

This research investigates the relationships between mindfulness, psychological well-being, patient education implementation among oncology nurses. Additionally, it examines the determinants influencing patient education implementation and investigated the mediating function of psychological well-being in the association between mindfulness and patient education implementation.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with oncology nurses between 2023 and 2024 at an oncology hospital. The study utilized validated instruments, including the Nurse Information Form, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Psychological Well-Being Scale, Patient Education Implementation Scale. The data were analysed using descriptive and correlational statistics and structural equation modelling. Independent variables were mindfulness and psychological well-being; the dependent variable was patient education implementation in this hypothesized model.

Results

A total of 218 nurses participated in the study. Patient education implementation scores varied significantly by professional roles and were higher among charge nurses (F = 4.076, p = .008). The structural equation modeling analysis demonstrated that mindfulness exerted a significant direct influence on patient education implementation (β = 0.180, p < .001), while also having an indirect effect (β = 0.117, p < .001) mediated by psychological well-being. These results indicate that psychological well-being serves as a partial mediator in the mindfulness and patient education implementation relationship.

Conclusion

This study highlights that higher mindfulness are associated with improved patient education implementation, both directly and indirectly through enhanced psychological well-being. Nursing managers should recognize the impact of mindfulness and psychological well-being on nurses' ability to provide high-quality patient education and consider strategies to enhance these attributes.