Mindfulness-Based Programs for Patients With Cancer via eHealth and Mobile Health: Systematic Review and Synthesis of Quantitative Research
- PMID: 33196452
- PMCID: PMC7704284
- DOI: 10.2196/20709
Mindfulness-Based Programs for Patients With Cancer via eHealth and Mobile Health: Systematic Review and Synthesis of Quantitative Research
Abstract
Background: eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) are on the rise in complex oncology and palliative care. However, we are still at the beginning of answering the questions of how effective eMBPs are and for whom, and what kinds of delivery modes are the most efficient.
Objective: This systematic review aims to examine the feasibility and efficacy of eMBPs in improving the mental health and well-being of patients with cancer, to describe intervention characteristics and delivery modes of these programs, and to summarize the results of the included studies in terms of moderators, mediators, and predictors of efficacy, adherence, and attrition.
Methods: In total, 4 databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge) were searched using relevant search terms (eg, mindfulness, program, eHealth, neoplasm) and their variations. No restrictions were imposed on language or publication type. The results of the efficacy of eMBPs were synthesized through the summarizing effect estimates method.
Results: A total of 29 published papers describing 24 original studies were included in this review. In general, the results indicate that eMBPs have the potential to reduce the levels of stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep problems, and pain, and improve the levels of mindfulness, posttraumatic growth, and some parameters of general health. The largest median of Cohen d effect sizes were observed in reducing anxiety and depression (within-subject: median -0.38, IQR -0.62 to -0.27; between-group: median -0.42, IQR -0.58 to -0.22) and facilitating posttraumatic growth (within-subject: median 0.42, IQR 0.35 to 0.48; between-group: median 0.32, IQR 0.22 to 0.39). The efficacy of eMBP may be comparable with that of parallel, face-to-face MBPs in some cases. All studies that evaluated the feasibility of eMBPs reported that they are feasible for patients with cancer. Potential moderators, mediators, and predictors of the efficacy, attrition, and adherence of eMBPs are discussed.
Conclusions: Although the effects of the reviewed studies were highly heterogeneous, the review provides evidence that eMBPs are an appropriate way for mindfulness practice to be delivered to patients with cancer. Thus far, existing eMBPs have mostly attempted to convert proven face-to-face mindfulness programs to the eHealth mode. They have not yet fully exploited the potential of eHealth technology.
Keywords: cancer; eHealth; mHealth; mindfulness; mobile phone; systematic review.
©Juraj Matis, Miroslav Svetlak, Alena Slezackova, Marek Svoboda, Rastislav Šumec. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (http://www.jmir.org), 16.11.2020.
Conflict of interest statement
Conflicts of Interest: None declared.
Figures
Similar articles
-
Effectiveness of Mindfulness- and Relaxation-Based eHealth Interventions for Patients with Medical Conditions: a Systematic Review and Synthesis.Int J Behav Med. 2018 Feb;25(1):1-16. doi: 10.1007/s12529-017-9679-7. Int J Behav Med. 2018. PMID: 28752414 Review.
-
A Randomized Controlled Trial of mHealth Mindfulness Intervention for Cancer Patients and Informal Cancer Caregivers: A Feasibility Study Within an Integrated Health Care Delivery System.Integr Cancer Ther. 2019 Jan-Dec;18:1534735419850634. doi: 10.1177/1534735419850634. Integr Cancer Ther. 2019. PMID: 31092044 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
-
Consider the Source: Examining Attrition Rates, Response Rates, and Preliminary Effects of eHealth Mindfulness Messages and Delivery Framing in a Randomized Trial with Young Adult Cancer Survivors.J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2021 Jun;10(3):272-281. doi: 10.1089/jayao.2020.0102. Epub 2020 Dec 21. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2021. PMID: 33347390 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
-
The Use of Mobile Apps and SMS Messaging as Physical and Mental Health Interventions: Systematic Review.J Med Internet Res. 2017 Aug 24;19(8):e295. doi: 10.2196/jmir.7740. J Med Internet Res. 2017. PMID: 28838887 Free PMC article. Review.
-
eHealth Interventions for Anxiety Management Targeting Young Children and Adolescents: Exploratory Review.JMIR Pediatr Parent. 2018 May 10;1(1):e5. doi: 10.2196/pediatrics.7248. JMIR Pediatr Parent. 2018. PMID: 31518330 Free PMC article. Review.
Cited by
-
Laying the foundation for iCANmeditate: A mixed methods study protocol for understanding patient and oncologist perspectives on meditation.PLoS One. 2024 Aug 22;19(8):e0290988. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290988. eCollection 2024. PLoS One. 2024. PMID: 39172996 Free PMC article.
-
Development and Use of Mobile Messaging for Individuals With Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions: Scoping Review.JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2024 Aug 14;12:e55625. doi: 10.2196/55625. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2024. PMID: 39141913 Free PMC article. Review.
-
"Diluting Its Value as a Word by Applying It to Everything": A Qualitative Study Exploring Perspectives and Practices of Mindfulness Practitioners.J Multidiscip Healthc. 2024 Jul 16;17:3439-3457. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S465423. eCollection 2024. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2024. PMID: 39050694 Free PMC article.
-
App-based support for breast cancer patients to reduce psychological distress during therapy and survivorship - a multicentric randomized controlled trial.Front Oncol. 2024 Apr 18;14:1354377. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1354377. eCollection 2024. Front Oncol. 2024. PMID: 38699636 Free PMC article.
-
Evaluating the effect of a mobile-based symptom monitoring system for improving physical function in patients with cancer during chemotherapy: study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial.BMJ Open. 2024 May 1;14(5):e080976. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080976. BMJ Open. 2024. PMID: 38692724 Free PMC article.
References
-
- Cancer. World Health Organization. 2018. [2020-04-23]. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer .
-
- Vodermaier A, Linden W, Siu C. Screening for emotional distress in cancer patients: a systematic review of assessment instruments. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2009 Nov 4;101(21):1464–88. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djp336. http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/19826136 djp336 - DOI - PMC - PubMed
-
- Carlson LE, Tamagawa R, Stephen J, Doll R, Faris P, Dirkse D, Speca M. Tailoring mind-body therapies to individual needs: patients' program preference and psychological traits as moderators of the effects of mindfulness-based cancer recovery and supportive-expressive therapy in distressed breast cancer survivors. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. 2014 Nov;2014(50):308–14. doi: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgu034.lgu034 - DOI - PubMed
Publication types
MeSH terms
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Medical