ASPO Abstracts
Acceptability and Feasibility of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention Program for HCT Cancer Caregivers
Category: Survivorship & Health Outcomes/Comparative Effectiveness Research
Conference Year: 2019
Abstract Body:
Purpose: High levels of stress have been reported amongst allogeneic HCT cancer caregivers and few treatment programs exist to provide stress management skills to this population. A pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a six-session mindfulness-based program designed specifically to meet the needs of allogeneic HCT cancer caregivers.Method: Participants completed questionnaires at baseline, end of treatment, and at a one month follow-up. Feasibility criteria consisted of participant accrual, retention, and homework completion. Measures of acceptability included the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ; scale of 1-4 [1=Poor; 4=Excellent]) and three questions developed for this study to capture overall usefulness of the program; the usefulness of the program in managing stress; and likelihood of continued usage of mindfulness-based strategies (scale of 1-6 [1=Not very useful; 6=Very Useful]). Results: Twenty-one caregivers (mean age 57.95; 79% female) were enrolled and completed baseline questionnaires. Of these, 19 attended at least one treatment session, 15 attended at least 4, and 13 attended all sessions. Thirteen completed the post-treatment questionnaires and 14 completed follow-up questionnaires. Participants reported engaging in at least one mindfulness practice daily on 58% of the days enrolled in the study. Results from the CSQ found the program to be highly satisfactory (M=3.68; SD=.28), with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction. Participants responded positively to questions related to overall usefulness of the program (M=5.36; SD=.93), usefulness of the program to help manage stress (M=5.14; SD=.95), and likelihood of continuation of strategy use in the future (M=5.50; SD=1.16). At the one month follow up, 100% of participants endorsed still using some of the skills learned during the program.Discussion: These pilot study results found the mindfulness intervention to be both feasible and acceptable. Limitations include: small sample size, homogenous population, and lack of a control group. Larger, future studies are warranted to determine the efficacy of this intervention in relation to a comparison treatment condition.
Keywords: Caregiver, BMT, Mindfulness