Understanding preferences for a mindfulness-based stress management program among caregivers of hematopoietic cell transplant patients.
C Vinci, M Reblin, H Jim, J Pidala, H Bulls, E Cutolo
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice November 2018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.10.007 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 18 |
| Population | Informal caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant patients (55% female) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Cancer Caregivers Hematopoietic cell transplant Oncology Stress |
| Key findings | About half of the 18 caregivers were familiar with mindfulness and/or had practiced meditation. Most believed a mindfulness program would have been useful and were willing to participate, preferring once-weekly 60-minute sessions across inpatient and outpatient phases via combined in-person and mobile delivery. |
Abstract
Informal caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant patients experience significant levels of stress throughout the caregiving process. One strategy that has been shown to aid in stress management in other populations is mindfulness. The goal of this study was to understand caregivers' experiences with mindfulness and evaluate their receptiveness to a mindfulness-based stress management program. Data were collected via in-depth phone interviews from 18 caregivers (55% female). Results indicated that about half the sample was familiar with mindfulness and/or had practiced meditation. The majority indicated that they believed a mindfulness program would have been useful for them and that they would have been willing to participate. Most indicated that a program delivered once-weekly for 60 min, during both inpatient and outpatient phases, would be preferable through a combination of in-person and mobile-based delivery. These data provide critical information for the development of future mindfulness-based interventions for this caregiving population.