ASPO Abstracts
A Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Caregivers of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients: Pilot Results
Category: Survivorship & Health Outcomes/Comparative Effectiveness Research
Conference Year: 2019
Abstract Body:
Purpose: Despite experiencing high levels of stress as caregivers of HCT cancer patients, there are almost no empirically-supported interventions for this population to aid in stress management. This study examined various stress-related outcomes following a pilot, single-arm trial of a 6-week mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) for stress management. Prior to implementation, this MBI was developed via input from former caregivers (qualitative interviews), other MBI programs, and ultimately by an intervention mapping approach to tailor the program to this specific population.Method: Following informed consent, participants completed up to 6 individual treatment sessions that focused on developing mindfulness skills via meditation and informal mindfulness practices. The first 3 sessions took place on the inpatient unit while their patient was receiving the transplant; the last 3 sessions took place via a video conference app post-discharge. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline, end of treatment, and one-month post-treatment in these areas: mindfulness, stress and affect, coping and isolation, and quality of life.Results: Participants (N=19 who attended at least one session) were 79% female with an average age of 58.43 (SD=15.49). Here, data are presented for those who completed at least 65% of sessions (N=15). Results indicated that at end of treatment, participants reported significantly higher mindfulness (according to both the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire nonjudging subscale), lower negative affect (via the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), greater post traumatic growth (Post Traumatic Growth Inventory), and overall better mental health (Global Health Scale) when compared to baseline. No significant differences emerged from end of treatment to follow-up, suggesting the treatment gains were maintained.Discussion: Findings provide preliminary support that a MBI for HCT cancer caregivers is associated with increased mindfulness, post traumatic growth, mental health, and lower negative affect. Limitations include the small sample size and lack of a comparison condition. Nonetheless, these data support future research examining the efficacy of this MBI for HCT cancer caregivers.
Keywords: cancer caregiver; mindfulness; intervention