Prevost, V., Tran, T., Clarisse, B., …& Gouriot, M. (2023). Shared Meditation Involving Cancer Patients, Health Professionals and Third Persons: Perceptions of Participants Through a Focus Group Study. Integrative Cancer Therapies. https://doi.org/10.1177/15347354231186995
The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of a mindfulness intervention involving cancer patients, health professionals, and third persons practicing meditation together. Patients, care providers, and family often experience psychological distress due to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Mindfulness meditation has been effective in alleviating stress-related symptoms.
The study was conducted at a major medical center in France. The intervention is described in detail, a plus for this study as many studies report using a Mindfulness Based Intervention but do not provide details of the intervention. The intervention is “compared to MBSR” and included “numerous but shorter [sessions] in order to better suit people with cancer.” Instead of eight sessions of 2.5 hours with a full day retreat, which is the standard for MBSR, this study used 12 weekly sessions of 1.5 hours and a half-day retreat of 3 hours. The study describes the mindfulness practices and content of the sessions which are comparable to the content of the MBSR curriculum.
Assessment included focus groups, and verbatim transcripts were analyzed using qualitative methods, described in the study.
Results from focus groups indicated that the shared meditation intervention was well-received, particularly by patients who found it motivating and a way to alleviate feelings of loneliness. Participants reported overall better stress management and expressed that the program should be followed by continuing opportunities for mindfulness practice. The study calls for further research to assess the potential added value of shared meditation in improving well-being among cancer patients, health professionals, and others. The qualitative analysis confirmed high satisfaction levels with the shared meditation program and highlighted the benefits experienced by all participants.
