Mindfulness-based stress reduction for breast cancer patients: a mixed method study on what patients experience as a suitable stage to participate.
Author: Bisseling EM1,2, Schellekens MPJ3, Jansen ETM3, van Laarhoven HWM4, Prins JB5, Speckens AEM3
Affiliation:
1Helen Dowling Institute, Centre for Psycho-Oncology, Bilthoven, the Netherlands. else.bisseling@radboudumc.nl.
2Radboud Centre for Mindfulness, Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Centre, Postbus 9101, Huispostnummer: 966/Mindfulness, 6500, HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. else.bisseling@radboudumc.nl.
3Radboud Centre for Mindfulness, Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Centre, Postbus 9101, Huispostnummer: 966/Mindfulness, 6500, HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
4Department of Medical Oncology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
5Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Conference/Journal: Support Care Cancer.
Date published: 2017 May 4
Other:
Special Notes: doi: 10.1007/s00520-017-3714-8. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 257
PURPOSE: Breast cancer is associated with high levels of psychological distress. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has proven to be effective in reducing distress in cancer patients. In several studies, patients who are currently undergoing somatic anticancer treatment are excluded from participating in MBSR. Little is known about what would be the most suitable stage of disease to offer MBSR. We examined whether stage of disease facilitated and/or hindered participation in MBSR for breast cancer patients.
METHOD: A mixed method design was used. Self-report questionnaires on psychological distress (HADS) and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) were administered before and after MBSR. Five focus groups and three semi-structured individual interviews were conducted. Qualitative data were analyzed with the constant comparative method in order to develop a grounded theory.
RESULTS: Sixty-four females participated in MBSR. In 52 patients who completed the questionnaires, psychological distress improved significantly. Qualitative data showed that participating in MBSR both during and after anticancer treatment has specific advantages and disadvantages. Interestingly, being emotionally ready to take part in MBSR seems equally important as physical ability. Informing patients at an early stage seemed to strengthen autonomy and self-management skills.
CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the common practice to tailoring the timing of MBSR to physical impairments or demands of the anticancer treatment, our findings revealed that emotional readiness is equally important to take into account. These findings might support professionals in their choices whether and when to inform and refer patients to MBSR.
KEYWORDS: Breast cancer; Disease stage; MBSR; Mindfulness; Qualitative; Timing
PMID: 28470371 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3714-8
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