A Prospective Mixed Methods Study on Experiences of Mindfulness Intervention on Pain and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing a Colorectal Surgery.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and experiences of a mindfulness intervention in colorectal surgical patients, focusing on physiological and psychological outcomes.
Results Summary
The study found minor decreases in blood pressure, heart rate, and pain scores, with slightly reduced anxiety in participants who attended three sessions. Participants reported positive experiences, including themes of healing, restoration of health, and emotional awareness.
Population
Colorectal surgical patients (n=16).
Effective Dosage
Two or three 15-20-minute mindfulness sessions.
Duration
Short-term (duration not explicitly stated, but sessions were conducted before discharge).
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness intervention | decrease | blood pressure | colorectal surgical patients | - | Decreasing | #1 |
mindfulness intervention | decrease | heart rates | colorectal surgical patients | - | lower | #2 |
mindfulness intervention | decrease | pain scores | colorectal surgical patients | - | decreasing | #3 |
mindfulness intervention | decrease | anxiety scores | participants who attended three sessions | - | Minor decrease | #4 |
mindfulness intervention | no change | physiological changes | colorectal surgical patients | - | were minor and challenging to measure | #5 |
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and experiences of a mindfulness intervention in colorectal surgical patients. Design of Study: Descriptive mixed methods study. Method: Sixteen participants were provided with two or three 15-20-min mindfulness sessions. Data were collected before and after each session on blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate, anxiety, and pain. The participants were interviewed before their discharge. Findings: Eight participants (n = 8) received two and eight (n = 8) three sessions. Decreasing blood pressure and lower heart rates were noted after the sessions. Also, decreasing pain scores were found, especially in participants who attended two sessions. Minor decrease in anxiety scores were noticed in participants who attended three sessions. Two major themes emerged from the interviews: healing and restoration of health and becoming in tune with self. These themes were characterized by study participants' reflections on experience of recovery, progression to physical relaxation, pathway to serenity, awareness of emotions, evolution of perceptions and experiences of mindfulness. Conclusions: The physiological changes to mindfulness intervention, composed of two or three sessions, were minor and challenging to measure to demonstrate effects. However, study participants' experiences were very positive and suggest that this intervention could prove to be beneficial for colorectal surgical patients.