JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Mindfulness-based programs are increasingly used as a part of integrated treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). However, the majority of research has been quantitative with limited qualitative exploration of patients’ experiences of mindfulness programs and no studies in adolescents and young adults with IBD. Furthermore, there have been no studies exploring the role of common psychotherapy and group factors within mindfulness programs.

Objective:

This study aims to explore the experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with IBD and depression who completed a mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) group program, as well as the potential impact of therapeutic alliance, group affiliation and other common psychotherapy and group factors.

Methods:

This mixed methods qualitative study, nested within a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of MBCT for AYAs with IBD, will obtain qualitative data from focus groups and open-ended survey questions. It will employ data and investigators’ triangulation and thematic saturation, to maximize validity of the findings. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze the qualitative data inductively and enable data coding and grouping of similar concepts into salient themes.

Results:

The study was approved by the Mater Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee and the recruitment has commenced, with study completion anticipated by early 2020.

Conclusions:

The study will contribute to the assessment of acceptability and feasibility of the MBCT program for AYAs with IBD and strengthening the evidence base of effective mindfulness interventions in this cohort. It also has the potential to elucidate the role of previously unexplored common psychotherapy and group factors within mindfulness training and help inform the design of a future large scale RCT of MBCT in AYAs with IBD. Clinical Trial: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Trial ID-ACTRN12617000876392, Universal Trial Number-U1111-1197-7370.