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The acceptability and potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions in improving psychological well-being for adults with advanced cancer: A systematic review.

Complementary therapies in clinical practice
February 1, 2018
Fernanda F Zimmermann et al. (3 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewSystematic ReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the acceptability and potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for the psychological well-being of people with advanced cancers.

Results Summary

The study found that MBIs were acceptable and beneficial for advanced cancer patients, improving quality of life, mindfulness skills, acceptance of their condition, and reducing depression and anxiety. Some adaptations, such as simplified MBIs and flexible delivery, were recommended for this population.

Population

Adults with advanced cancer (stages III and IV).

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (10)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs)
no change
acceptability
people with advanced cancers
-
acceptable
#1
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs)
increase
potential benefits
people with advanced cancers
-
beneficial
#2
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs)
increase
quality of life
people with advanced cancer
-
improving
#3
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs)
increase
use of mindfulness skills
people with advanced cancer
-
improving
#4
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs)
increase
acceptance of their cancer situation
people with advanced cancer
-
improving
#5
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs)
decrease
depression
people with advanced cancer
-
reduction
#6
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs)
decrease
anxiety
people with advanced cancer
-
reduction
#7
MBI packages
no change
acceptability
this population
-
evidence of acceptability
#8
MBI packages
increase
effectiveness
this population
-
evidence of effectiveness
#9
MBI packages
increase
benefit
this population
-
potential benefit
#10
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In spite of supportive care for people affected by cancer being well recognized as a priority for research, there is little solid evidence of the effectiveness of psychological interventions using mindfulness for those with advanced cancer. This systematic review aims to describe, evaluate and synthesize the acceptability and potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for the psychological well-being of people with advanced cancers. METHODS: Eight databases were searched and terms related to advanced stages of cancer and mindfulness were combined systematically to identify relevant published literature. Inclusion criteria were studies with adults only and all types of cancer at stages III and IV. There was considerable variety in the MBI treatment packages including in the extent and centrality of mindfulness in the interventions. RESULTS: Of 312 identified studies, only 8 included MBIs for people with advanced cancer rather than their families or carers. Results from these studies suggests that MBIs are acceptable and beneficial to the advanced cancer population, improving quality of life, use of mindfulness skills, acceptance of their cancer situation and reduction in depression and anxiety. Some adaptations were recommended however regarding delivery, simplified briefer MBIs, abbreviated session time, flexibility concerning locality of treatment and a minimized questionnaire burden for this group. CONCLUSIONS: MBI packages reviewed in this study had evidence of acceptability and of effectiveness, indicating potential benefit for this population. Individualized, including home-based interventions may be optimal to allow critically ill patients to participate in treatment. In future, MBIs adapted to the needs of various advanced cancer patients are recommended to address the gap in the field and improve health care.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdultAnxietyAnxiety DisordersDepressionDepressive DisorderFemaleHumansMeditationMindfulnessNeoplasmsQuality of Life
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality80/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations59
Citations/Year8.4
Relative Citation Ratio3.82
NIH Percentile89.4%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.95
Weight Score2.30
Normalized Score0.66
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