Abstract
ObjectiveChronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is a common condition cancer survivors experience. Mindfulness training may be one approach to address the psychosocial factors associated with CNP. The purpose of this study was to understand patients’ experiences in an 8-week online mindfulness-based program (MBP), including techniques and skills learned and applied, barriers to practice, and research experiences.MethodsNineteen participants who were part of a randomized controlled trial consented to participate in a telephone interview or submit written responses via email post-course. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the principles of Applied Thematic Analysis (ATA).ResultsPredominant themes identified in participant interviews included (1) common humanity, (2) convenience, (3) teacher resonance, (4) perceived relaxation and calm, (5) pain and stress management, (6) half-day session, and (7) mindful breathing. Participants also identified helpful strategies learned and implemented from the course, as well as barriers to practice, and key components of their experiences in a randomized controlled trial, including a sense of disconnection post-course and needing continued ongoing sessions, and the importance of the facilitators’ skills in creating a comfortable and supportive space.ConclusionsAn online group-based MBP may offer a more accessible resource and form of psychosocial intervention and support for cancer survivors living with CNP. Furthermore, the need and consideration for implementing ongoing group maintenance sessions to minimize participants’ feelings of disconnect and abandonment post-course and post-study are warranted in future MBP development.
Highlights
This study aimed to explore the experience of cancer survivors living with Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) who participated in an online mindfulness-based program (MBP), including techniques and skills learned and applied, barriers to practice, and participant experiences in a long-term psychosocial intervention research study
Research questions guiding this study included what is the experience of an 8-week online MBP for cancer patients who experience CNP, what strategies and techniques do participants learn and apply from an online MBP in relation to pain management, what barriers impact practicing mindfulness meditations during the program and maintaining a practice post-course, and what is it like to be in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) from the participants’ perspective and how can more support be offered to participants?
Analysis of the interviews focused on four areas: (1) participant experiences of the 8-week online MBP course, (2) strategies and what participants learned from the course, (3) barriers to practice and ongoing practice, and (4) participant experiences in the research study
Summary
Nineteen participants who were part of a randomized controlled trial consented to participate in a telephone interview or submit written responses via email post-course. Research questions guiding this study included what is the experience of an 8-week online MBP for cancer patients who experience CNP, what strategies and techniques do participants learn and apply from an online MBP in relation to pain management, what barriers impact practicing mindfulness meditations during the program and maintaining a practice post-course, and what is it like to be in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) from the participants’ perspective and how can more support be offered to participants?
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