JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Online mindfulness based cognitive therapy (eMBCT) has shown to reduce psychological distress in people with cancer. However, people with cancer have reported lack of support and asynchronous communication as barriers of eMBCT, resulting in higher non-adherence rates than in face-to-face MBCT. In a co-creation process, we developed two formats of eMBCT: group blended (combination of therapist-guided group and individual online sessions) and individual unguided (individual unguided online sessions only). Group blended eMBCT offers peer support and guidance, whereas individual unguided eMBCT offers flexibility and the possibility of large-scale implementation.

Objective:

The objective of this non-randomized feasibility study was to assess aspects of feasibility of the group blended and individual unguided eMBCT interventions.

Methods:

Participants were people with cancer, who chose group blended or individual unguided eMBCT. Both interventions followed the same eight-week eMBCT program, including an introductory session and a silent day (ten sessions total). All sessions for individual unguided eMBCT occurred via the platform Minddistrict, whereas group blended eMBCT consisted of three online videoconference sessions guided by a mindfulness teacher and five via Minddistrict. Feasibility was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively by evaluating the implementation and demand of the intervention, and its acceptability. Additionally, participants completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires to assess limited efficacy.

Results:

Twelve participants per eMBCT condition were included. Participants in group blended eMBCT completed on average 9.7 of 10 sessions, compared to 8.3 for individual unguided eMBCT (excluding drop-outs). Of the 24 participants, 13 (54%) agreed to be interviewed (n=5 unguided and n=8 blended). Results from the interviews showed that participants were positive about both formats: they valued not having to travel plus being able to choose when and where to participate. Participants in the group blended condition preferred more group sessions and lack of guidance was reported as a barrier in the individual unguided eMBCT.

Conclusions:

Group blended and individual unguided eMBCT were both acceptable for people with cancer. Results from this study guided adjustments to the intervention prior to conducting a full-scale randomized controlled trial to evaluate effectiveness, including adding one group session to blended eMBCT.