Mindfulness-Based Programs for Patients With Cancer via eHealth and Mobile Health: Systematic Review and Synthesis of Quantitative Research.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the feasibility and efficacy of eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) in improving mental health and well-being in cancer patients, and to summarize intervention characteristics, delivery modes, and factors influencing efficacy.
Results Summary
eMBPs showed potential to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep problems, and pain, while improving mindfulness, posttraumatic growth, and general health. The largest effect sizes were observed for anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic growth, with efficacy sometimes comparable to face-to-face programs.
Population
Patients with cancer
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) | decrease | levels of stress | patients with cancer | - | have the potential to reduce | #1 |
eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) | decrease | levels of anxiety | patients with cancer | - | have the potential to reduce | #2 |
eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) | decrease | levels of depression | patients with cancer | - | have the potential to reduce | #3 |
eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) | decrease | levels of fatigue | patients with cancer | - | have the potential to reduce | #4 |
eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) | decrease | sleep problems | patients with cancer | - | have the potential to reduce | #5 |
eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) | decrease | levels of pain | patients with cancer | - | have the potential to reduce | #6 |
eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) | increase | levels of mindfulness | patients with cancer | - | have the potential to improve | #7 |
eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) | increase | levels of posttraumatic growth | patients with cancer | - | have the potential to improve | #8 |
eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) | increase | some parameters of general health | patients with cancer | - | have the potential to improve | #9 |
eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) | decrease | anxiety and depression | - | within-subject: median -0.38, IQR -0.62 to -0.27; between-group: median -0.42, IQR -0.58 to -0.22 | reducing anxiety and depression | #10 |
eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) | increase | posttraumatic growth | - | within-subject: median 0.42, IQR 0.35 to 0.48; between-group: median 0.32, IQR 0.22 to 0.39 | facilitating posttraumatic growth | #11 |
eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) | no change | efficacy | - | - | may be comparable with that of parallel, face-to-face MBPs | #12 |
eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) | neutral | feasibility | patients with cancer | - | are feasible | #13 |
BACKGROUND: eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) are on the rise in complex oncology and palliative care. However, we are still at the beginning of answering the questions of how effective eMBPs are and for whom, and what kinds of delivery modes are the most efficient. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to examine the feasibility and efficacy of eMBPs in improving the mental health and well-being of patients with cancer, to describe intervention characteristics and delivery modes of these programs, and to summarize the results of the included studies in terms of moderators, mediators, and predictors of efficacy, adherence, and attrition. METHODS: In total, 4 databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge) were searched using relevant search terms (eg, mindfulness, program, eHealth, neoplasm) and their variations. No restrictions were imposed on language or publication type. The results of the efficacy of eMBPs were synthesized through the summarizing effect estimates method. RESULTS: A total of 29 published papers describing 24 original studies were included in this review. In general, the results indicate that eMBPs have the potential to reduce the levels of stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep problems, and pain, and improve the levels of mindfulness, posttraumatic growth, and some parameters of general health. The largest median of Cohen d effect sizes were observed in reducing anxiety and depression (within-subject: median -0.38, IQR -0.62 to -0.27; between-group: median -0.42, IQR -0.58 to -0.22) and facilitating posttraumatic growth (within-subject: median 0.42, IQR 0.35 to 0.48; between-group: median 0.32, IQR 0.22 to 0.39). The efficacy of eMBP may be comparable with that of parallel, face-to-face MBPs in some cases. All studies that evaluated the feasibility of eMBPs reported that they are feasible for patients with cancer. Potential moderators, mediators, and predictors of the efficacy, attrition, and adherence of eMBPs are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Although the effects of the reviewed studies were highly heterogeneous, the review provides evidence that eMBPs are an appropriate way for mindfulness practice to be delivered to patients with cancer. Thus far, existing eMBPs have mostly attempted to convert proven face-to-face mindfulness programs to the eHealth mode. They have not yet fully exploited the potential of eHealth technology.