Qualitative results from a randomized pilot study of eHealth Mindful Movement and Breathing to improve gynecologic cancer surgery outcomes.
Stephanie J Sohl, Ashley E Strahley, Janet A Tooze, Beverly J Levine, Michael Kelly, Amy Wheeler, Sue M Evans, Suzanne C Danhauer
Journal of Psychosocial Oncology July 18, 2023 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2023.2236083 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study (thematic analysis within a pilot randomized controlled trial) Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 23 |
| Population | Women undergoing surgery for a suspected gynecologic malignancy |
| Interventions | eHealth Mindful Movement and Breathing (eMMB) empathic attention control (AC) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Genital neoplasms, female Pain Pilot projects Telemedicine Surgery Research design Gynecologic cancer Mind-body |
| Registration | NCT03681405 |
| Key findings | Participants reported high acceptability of the eMMB and attention-control interventions, with all saying they would recommend the study to others. They described eMMB as relieving tension, facilitating falling asleep, and decreasing pain, and reported high adherence to self-directed eMMB and control writing practices. The authors state this feedback will inform future efficacy research. |
Abstract
Purpose: Improved management of pain and co-morbid symptoms (sleep disturbances, psychological distress) among women undergoing surgery for suspected gynecologic malignancies may reach a population vulnerable to chronic pain.
Participants: Women undergoing surgery for a suspected gynecologic malignancy.
Method: We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial of eHealth Mindful Movement and Breathing (eMMB) compared to an empathic attention control (AC). Semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone (n = 23), recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Findings: Participants reported overall high acceptability such that all would recommend the study to others. Positive impacts of practicing eMMB included that it relieved tension, facilitated falling asleep, and decreased pain. Participants also reported high adherence to self-directed eMMB and AC writing practices and described facilitators and barriers to practicing.
Conclusions: This qualitative feedback will inform future research to assess the efficacy of eMMB for reducing pain and use of remotely-delivered interventions more broadly. Clinical trial registration number: NCT03681405.
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
Cites 3
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Conceptual and methodological issues in research on mindfulness and meditation. American Psychologist October 1, 2015
- Potential self-regulatory mechanisms of yoga for psychological health. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2014