Exploring the perceptions of cancer survivors of a mindfulness intervention at a tertiary hospital in Singapore: a descriptive qualitative study

Abstract

Background Cancer survivors often experience physical and psychological symptoms that may affect their daily activities and quality of life. A mindfulness-based psychoeducation for cancer survivors, (MindCAN) program, has been established to help cancer survivors manage their physical and psychological symptoms. This study aimed to explore perceptions of participants who attended the MindCAN program. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Purposive sampling was used to recruit adult cancer survivors. They attended the MindCAN program that was conducted once a week for 8 weeks, comprising education and mindfulness practice. Two focus group interviews were conducted to elicit the participants' perceptions of the program. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was performed to identify essential themes and subthemes. Trustworthiness, including creditability, confirmability, dependability, and transferability were ascertained. Results A total of 13 participants were recruited. Most of whom were Chinese, female, and single. The participants' perceptions were documented in five major themes: heightened awareness of the self, enriching body experiences through mindfulness practice, cultivating powerful minds and positive emotions, integrating mindfulness to daily life, and embracing interpersonal mindfulness. Conclusion Overall, the MindCAN program received positive comments from cancer survivors. They reported increased selfawareness, pleasant body experiences, positive thinking and emotions, and relaxation. Future research is required to test the effectiveness of the program.

The Introspective Patient Experience of Mistletoe Therapy in Cancer: A Qualitative Study

“…A spiritual development and increased mindfulness in relation to oneself as well as with regard to interpersonal relationships, both improved abilities to cope with emotions and stress, improved sleep, or reduced pain. 70,71,74,75,77,78 In a study of patients receiving acupuncture a pronounced effect on all levels of the human existence was expressed. 76 Interestingly, these respondents described very similar impacts on several levels as the patients in the present study – except for the social level, although this could be due to the fact that this aspect was not inquired about.…”

“…A handful of qualitative studies on cancer patients can be found in the field of CM therapies showing that other complementary therapeutic approaches are also experienced on different levels of human existence. [70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81] Different responses of patients were reported on various levels of experience depending on the therapeutic approach taken. These studies use their individual coding frames and definitions of the respective levels and we use their terminology in the following discussion.…”

Effects of Self-compassion on Diurnal Cortisol Pattern via Positive Affect in Colorectal Cancer Survivors

“…Positive affect is a potential pathway by which self-compassion and self-criticism exert their influences on the activities of the HPA axis in cancer survivors. A qualitative study (Goei et al, 2021) reported experiences of increased selfawareness, pleasant body experiences, positive thinking and emotions, and relaxation in adult cancer survivors following mindfulness intervention. Developing self-compassionate attitudes and reducing self-critical attitudes might facilitate positive thinking and overall emotional well-being.…”

Evaluating the effectiveness of mindfulness alone compared to exercise and mindfulness on fatigue in women with gynaecology cancer (GEMS): Protocol for a randomised feasibility trial

“…19 include participants who live in more remote areas from the study centre [73]. The number and size of groups will be dependent on trial recruitment numbers and continue until data saturation, which will be reached when no new information is generated [74]. Separate groups will take place for each intervention group to ensure that each group can share and reflect on their experience of the intervention they took part in.…”

“…This format for focus group has certain reported advantages, such as reduced dropouts, more relaxing for participants resulting in better communication, cost effectiveness, time saving in travel and the ability to include participants who live in more remote areas from the study centre [73]. The number and size of groups will be dependent on trial recruitment numbers and continue until data saturation, which will be reached when no new information is generated [74]. Separate groups will take place for each intervention group to ensure that each group can share and reflect on their experience of the intervention they took part in.…”