Effects of a Mindfulness Intervention on Hospitalized Patients With Hematologic Malignancies and Their Caregivers.

Abstract

To examine the effects of a mind-body intervention on the psychological distress of hospitalized patients with hematologic malignancies and their caregivers. 29 patients with hematologic malignancies and 5 caregivers were recruited from the bone marrow transplantation unit at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. After completing the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL) to rate their levels of psychological and physiologic distress and quality of life, participants were taught a mindfulness activity. Two weeks postintervention, participants completed the RSCL again, reported how often they practiced the activity, and answered qualitative questions regarding their experience. Participants reported increased relaxation and improved sleep and showed interest in practicing mindfulness as a part of their treatment plan. Nurses can help to alleviate symptoms of distress in patients with hematologic malignancies by integrating education on how to perform short and simple mindfulness activities into the care plan.