Currently submitted to: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Jun 19, 2026
Open Peer Review Period: Jun 22, 2026 - Aug 17, 2026
(currently open for review)
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
Effectiveness of Web-Based Mindfulness Interventions for Mental Health Outcomes in Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
Healthcare professionals are at increased risk of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. Web-based mindfulness interventions have emerged as accessible and scalable approaches to support mental health in this population.
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of web-based mindfulness interventions on mental health outcomes among healthcare professionals.
Methods:
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in English up to January 2026 was conducted. Searches were performed across major electronic databases. Effect sizes were calculated using Hedges’ g and pooled using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic and I² index. Analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3.
Results:
Twenty-two randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Web-based mindfulness interventions were associated with significant reductions in depression (Hedges’ g = −0.35, 95% CI −0.54 to −0.16), anxiety (Hedges’ g = −0.30, 95% CI −0.41 to −0.19), and stress (Hedges’ g = −0.43, 95% CI −0.64 to −0.23). In addition, significant improvements in well-being were observed. Effects on burnout and resilience were not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
Web-based mindfulness interventions are effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress while improving well-being among healthcare professionals. These findings support the integration of scalable digital mindfulness programs into occupational health and workforce well-being strategies.
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