The eCALM Trial-eTherapy for cancer appLying mindfulness: online mindfulness-based cancer recovery program for underserved individuals living with cancer in Alberta: protocol development for a randomized wait-list controlled clinical trial.
Kristin A. Zernicke, Tavis S. Campbell, Michael Speca, Kelley McCabe-Ruff, Steven Flowers, Dale A Dirkse, Linda E. Carlson
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine February 16, 2013 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-34 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized waitlist-controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 64 |
| Population | Cancer patients in Alberta with moderate distress who do not have access to face-to-face MBCR |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) mindfulness meditation yoga |
| Duration | 8-week group psychosocial intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Registration | NCT01476891 |
| Key findings | The authors report that it is possible to conduct a randomized waitlist-controlled trial of online Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery to reach underserved cancer survivors, with 47 participants having completed or completing the intervention. They suggest online MBCR may mirror previous face-to-face efficacy findings on patient-reported outcomes, though those outcome results are not reported here. |
Abstract
Elevated stress can exacerbate cancer symptom severity, and after completion of primary cancer treatments, many individuals continue to have significant distress. Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) is an 8-week group psychosocial intervention consisting of training in mindfulness meditation and yoga designed to mitigate stress, pain, and chronic illness. Efficacy research shows face-to-face (F2F) MBCR programs have positive benefits for cancer patients; however barriers exist that impede participation in F2F groups. While online MBCR groups are available to the public, none have been evaluated. determine whether underserved patients are willing to participate in and complete an online MBCR program. determine whether online MBCR will mirror previous efficacy findings from F2F MBCR groups on patient-reported outcomes. The study includes cancer patients in Alberta, exhibiting moderate distress, who do not have access to F2F MBCR. Participants will be randomized to either online MBCR, or waiting for the next available group. An anticipated sample size of 64 participants will complete measures online pre and post treatment or waiting period. Feasibility will be tracked through monitoring numbers eligible and participating through each stage of the protocol. 47 have completed/completing the intervention. Data suggest it is possible to conduct a randomized waitlist controlled trial of online MBCR to reach underserved cancer survivors. Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT01476891.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- Effects of self-help mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on mindfulness, symptom change, and suicidal ideation in patients with depression: a randomized controlled study. Frontiers in Psychology 2023
- Online Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery Program for People Living with Cancer in Alberta: A Randomized Wait-List Controlled Trial Libraries and Cultural Resources 2015
- Contemplative Training to Bolster University Employees' Mental Health, Well-Being, and Workplace Wellness: A Prospective Observational Study. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine October 27, 2025
- Pilot clinical trial of a clinical meditation and imagery intervention for chronic pain after spinal cord injury. Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine May 1, 2022
- The modulatory role of internet-supported mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on extracellular vesicles and psychological distress in people who have had cancer: a protocol for a two-armed randomized controlled study. Trials February 5, 2022
and 5 more in the library
Cites 16
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- A Randomized, Wait-List Controlled Clinical Trial: The Effect of a Mindfulness Meditation-Based Stress Reduction Program on Mood and Symptoms of Stress in Cancer Outpatients Psychosomatic Medicine September 1, 2000
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Psychosomatic Medicine July 1, 2003
- Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction as supportive therapy in cancer care: systematic review Journal of Advanced Nursing September 29, 2005
and 11 more in the library