Shared Meditation Involving Cancer Patients, Health Professionals and Third Persons: Perceptions of Participants Through a Focus Group Study
Integrative Cancer Therapies July 15, 2023 Virginie Prevost PhD, Titi Tran Btec, Bénédicte Clarisse PhD et al.
In a pilot study, cancer patients, health professionals, and third persons who meditated together in a group program reported better stress management and, for patients, reduced feelings of loneliness and increased motivation. Focus groups with 7 patients, 7 health professionals, and 8 third persons revealed that participants appreciated the shared meditation, noted both benefits and difficulties with the practice, and agreed the program should continue. The qualitative findings support conducting a larger randomized trial to test the added value of meditating together for well-being and bridge-building between these groups.