JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Patients with cancer are particularly vulnerable to stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing is critical for patients with cancer, yet this can also reduce access to psychosocial coping resources.

Objective:

This study aimed to identify how virtual mind-body programs impact patients’ psychosocial well-being during COVID-19.

Methods:

We conducted a qualitative study among patients (ages ≥18) who participated in a virtual mind-body program offered by an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center during COVID-19. The program consisted of mind-body group therapy sessions in fitness, yoga, tai chi, dance therapy, music therapy, and meditation. Live integrative medicine clinicians held each session via Zoom video conferencing for 30 to 45 minutes. In semi-structured phone interviews (n=30), patients were asked about overall impressions and perceptions of the session’s benefit, including impacts on stress and anxiety. Interviews were analyzed using grounded theory.

Results:

Among participants [n=30, age 64.5 range 40-80, 96.7% female], three major themes were identified relating to experiences in the virtual mind-body program: (1) Sessions helped in maintaining structured routines and motivating them to adhere to healthy behaviors; (2) sessions enhanced coping with COVID-19-related stressors allowing patients to “refocus” and “re-energize”; (3) sessions allowed patients to connect, fostering social relationships during a time of isolation.

Conclusions:

Virtual mind-body programs have potential to address the behavioral, psychological, and social challenges faced by patients with cancer during and beyond COVID-19. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the specific benefit of virtual mind-body programming for cancer patients’ psychosocial well-being and healthy behaviors.