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A mindfulness-based program for improving quality of life among hematopoietic stem cell transplantation survivors: feasibility and preliminary findings

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Abstract

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is often substantially reduced among individuals who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and incidences of depression, fatigue, and anxiety are elevated. We examined effects of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) compared to psycho-oncological telephone consultation upon HRQoL, depression, anxiety, and fatigue among HSCT survivors. Sixty-two medically stable patients participated in the study; they had completed HSCT ≥6 months previously. Thirty-two were randomly assigned to intervention arms, and 30 were offered their treatment preference. MBI consisted of a structured 8-week program of mindfulness training. Assessments were made at baseline, post-intervention and 3 months follow-up. Primary outcome was HRQoL. Depression, fatigue, anxiety, and personal goal attainment were secondary measures. Non-completion of interventions was low in both groups (9 %, MBI; 7 % control). Employing intention-to-treat analysis, MBI, compared with comparison procedure, improved HRQoL and reduced depression and anxiety at post-intervention (p’s < 0.05); Cohen’s d effect sizes, 0.6–0.7; 3-month follow-up benefits were modest. These findings demonstrate broad feasibility and acceptance of, as well as satisfaction and adherence with, a program of mindfulness training for HSCT survivors; findings also suggest improved HRQoL and well-being as a consequence of MBI. Nevertheless, this is a preliminary study; a larger trial with more prolonged intervention phase is warranted.

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Acknowledgments

We express deepest gratitude to all the patients who participated in this study, the mindfulness teachers Barbara Dietz-Waschkowski and Silvia Wiesmann as well to Silke Purschke and Susanne Müller, study nurses from the Clinical Trial Unit of our institution, who tirelessly recruited our participants. This study is dedicated to the memory of the investigation’s lead MBI teacher Ulrike Kesper-Grossman (1953-2012).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland

    Paul Grossman, Diana Zwahlen, Claudia Steiner & Alexander Kiss

  2. Department of Hematology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland

    Jorg P. Halter & Jakob R. Passweg

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  1. Paul Grossman
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  2. Diana Zwahlen
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  3. Jorg P. Halter
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Correspondence to Paul Grossman.

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Grossman, P., Zwahlen, D., Halter, J.P. et al. A mindfulness-based program for improving quality of life among hematopoietic stem cell transplantation survivors: feasibility and preliminary findings. Support Care Cancer 23, 1105–1112 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2452-4

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