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A randomized wait-list controlled trial of feasibility and efficacy of an online mindfulness-based cancer recovery program: the eTherapy for cancer applying mindfulness trial.

Psychosomatic medicine
May 1, 2014
Kristin A Zernicke et al. (6 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to investigate the feasibility and impact of an online synchronous Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) program for distressed cancer survivors without access to in-person MBCR.

Results Summary

The study found significant improvements in mood disturbance, stress symptoms, spirituality, and mindful awareness in the online MBCR group compared to controls, with moderate effect sizes. Feasibility targets for recruitment and retention were met, and participants reported high satisfaction.

Population

Underserved distressed cancer survivors (62 men and women) within 3 years of completing primary cancer treatment.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (6)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
online synchronous Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) group program
decrease
total scores of mood disturbance
underserved distressed cancer survivors
d = 0.44, p = .049
significant improvements and moderate Cohen d effect sizes
#1
online synchronous Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) group program
decrease
stress symptoms
underserved distressed cancer survivors
d = 0.49, p = .021
significant improvements and moderate Cohen d effect sizes
#2
online synchronous Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) group program
increase
spirituality
underserved distressed cancer survivors
d = 0.37, p = .040
significant improvements and moderate Cohen d effect sizes
#3
online synchronous Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) group program
increase
mindfully acting with awareness
underserved distressed cancer survivors
d = 0.50, p = .026
significant improvements and moderate Cohen d effect sizes
#4
online synchronous Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) group program
increase
posttraumatic growth
underserved distressed cancer survivors
-
main effects of time were observed
#5
online synchronous Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) group program
increase
remaining mindfulness facets
underserved distressed cancer survivors
-
main effects of time were observed
#6
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: A treatment-as-usual randomized wait-list controlled trial was conducted to investigate the feasibility and impact of an online synchronous Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) group program for underserved distressed cancer survivors. METHODS: Sixty-two men and women exhibiting moderate to high distress within 3 years of completing primary cancer treatment without access to in-person MBCR were randomized to either immediate online MBCR (n = 30) or to wait for the next available program (n = 32). Participants completed questionnaires preintervention and postintervention or wait period online. Program evaluations were completed after MBCR. Feasibility was tracked through monitoring eligibility and participation through the protocol. Intent-to-treat mixed-model analyses for repeated measures were conducted. RESULTS: Feasibility targets for recruitment and retention were achieved, and participants were satisfied and would recommend online MBCR. There were significant improvements and moderate Cohen d effect sizes in the online MBCR group relative to controls after MBCR for total scores of mood disturbance (d = 0.44, p = .049), stress symptoms (d = 0.49, p = .021), spirituality (d = 0.37, p = .040), and mindfully acting with awareness (d = 0.50, p = .026). Main effects of time were observed for posttraumatic growth and remaining mindfulness facets. CONCLUSIONS: Results provide evidence for the feasibility and efficacy of an online adaptation of MBCR for the reduction of mood disturbance and stress symptoms, as well as an increase in spirituality and mindfully acting with awareness compared with a treatment-as-usual wait-list. Future study using larger active control RCT designs is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01476891.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Adaptation, PsychologicalAdultAgedAwarenessFeasibility StudiesFemaleHumansIntention to Treat AnalysisInternetLinear ModelsMaleMiddle AgedMindfulnessNeoplasmsPatient Acceptance of Health CarePsychotherapy, GroupSpiritualityStress, PsychologicalSurveys and QuestionnairesSurvivorsTelemedicineTreatment OutcomeWaiting Lists
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality80/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations128
Citations/Year11.6
Relative Citation Ratio5.79
NIH Percentile94.5%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.95
Weight Score1.86
Normalized Score0.70
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