Honoring Life After Death: Mapping the Spread of the Pause

Abstract

Background:: Health care is a high-risk environment for clinicians and patients. The risk of burnout increases with increased patient acuity and workload demands. The Pause is a contemplative intervention that has been deployed to foster honor and self-care.

Objective:: We aimed to reveal how clinicians and educators use The Pause and how it changes systems of thinking or practice.

Methods:: Using a modified Delphi method, we interviewed 11 participants who had used The Pause or intend on using it.

Results:: The Pause is being used in 4 continents and many countries. It is most widely learned about by the bedside in practice settings. Participants believe it is malleable and has a powerful systemic effect in fostering a culture of support and honor.

Conclusion:: The Pause should continue to be taught in clinical scenarios to foster a broader humanistic ethos in health care.

Keywords: burnout; compassion satisfaction; leadership; the pause.