RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of a Second-generation Mindfulness-based Intervention on Quality of Life, Pain Management, and Psycho-spiritual Wellbeing in Cancer Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial

This study looks into Meditation Awareness Training (MAT) for people with cancer. MAT is a special type of mindfulness that includes older spiritual ideas like 'impermanence' and 'emptiness,' which are often left out of more common mindfulness courses. Researchers want to see if MAT can help improve quality of life, manage pain, and boost emotional and spiritual well-being for cancer patients. The study involves different stages, including group sessions for some participants, interviews, and diary keeping. The aim is to understand how bringing these deeper spiritual concepts into mindfulness might offer more profound support for those living with cancer.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Derby

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2025

Cancer Mindfulness-based Intervention Meditation Psychological Well-Being Spiritual Wellbeing

What is this study about?

Living with cancer can bring many challenges, including physical pain and emotional distress. This study is looking into a particular type of mindfulness called Meditation Awareness Training (MAT) to see if it can help people cope better. Mindfulness generally involves focusing on the present moment, but MAT goes a bit deeper. It incorporates traditional concepts often found in Buddhist wisdom, like understanding that things change (impermanence) and that many worries don't have a lasting basis (emptiness).

Existing mindfulness approaches have shown to be helpful for cancer patients, reducing stress and improving quality of life. However, some experts feel that by removing these traditional spiritual ideas, some of the deeper benefits might be missed. MAT aims to put these concepts back in, hoping to offer a more complete way to understand and accept life's difficulties, particularly when dealing with a serious illness like cancer. The researchers believe this approach could lead to stronger emotional and spiritual well-being, helping people find more meaning and peace.

The main goal of this study is to find out if MAT really does make a difference. They want to see if it can help reduce feelings of distress, improve pain management, and generally enhance quality of life. Furthermore, they are interested in whether these deeper spiritual ideas can help people develop new, positive ways of thinking about their illness and life in general, and if taking part in MAT encourages new helpful daily habits. The findings could lead to better support and new approaches for people with cancer.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates Meditation Awareness Training (MAT) for cancer patients.
MAT combines mindfulness with deeper spiritual wisdom concepts.
Aims to improve quality of life, pain management, and emotional/spiritual well-being.
Involves online sessions, questionnaires, and potentially interviews or diary keeping.
Open to cancer patients diagnosed within the last two years, up to stage 3, over 18.
All participants will eventually be offered the MAT course.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to be over 18 years old and have received a cancer diagnosis within the last two years. This includes if your cancer has come back. Your cancer should be up to stage 3, but not stage 4 (palliative).

It's important that you can commit to attending weekly two-hour sessions for eight weeks. Because these sessions will be online, you'll need reliable internet access and a device like a computer, tablet, or smartphone that can join video calls.

Unfortunately, if you have a palliative diagnosis, or if English isn't your main language and you might struggle to understand spoken or written English during the study, you won't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you over 18 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with cancer (not palliative) within the last 2 years?
Is your cancer currently stage 3 or below?
Do you have regular internet access and a device for video calls?
Can you commit to weekly 2-hour online sessions for 8 weeks?
Are you comfortable understanding and communicating in English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first be asked to fill out some questionnaires to understand your current well-being, pain levels, and quality of life. After this, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will participate in the Meditation Awareness Training (MAT) right away, which involves attending weekly two-hour online sessions for eight weeks. The other group will be a 'treatment-as-usual' group, meaning they will continue with their regular care without the MAT intervention initially. Importantly, if you are in the 'treatment-as-usual' group, you will be offered the MAT course after the main study is completed.

Throughout the study, you'll be asked to complete more questionnaires at different times – at the beginning, after four weeks, nine weeks after the course finishes, and then again six months later. If you're in the MAT group, you'll also be asked to keep a diary during the eight-week course to share your real-time thoughts and experiences. Some participants will also be invited for a one-on-one interview one month and six months after the course, to talk more in-depth about their experiences. The entire study from your first questionnaire to final follow-up could last up to about nine months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer several benefits, such as learning new ways to manage pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being. By exploring deeper spiritual concepts, you might also find new perspectives on your illness and life. However, as with any study, there could be some risks, such as feeling uncomfortable discussing personal experiences or finding the commitment to sessions and questionnaires challenging. You might not experience all the benefits hoped for from the intervention. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, which will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Derby
Verified postcode
Derby, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'mindfulness'?

Mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment, observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It's a way to become more aware of what's happening now.

What makes this different from other mindfulness courses?

This study's mindfulness course, Meditation Awareness Training (MAT), includes traditional spiritual ideas like 'impermanence' and 'emptiness' which are often not taught in other mindfulness courses. It aims for a deeper well-being.

Will I have to talk about my cancer diagnosis during the sessions?

The study aims to improve your well-being, but you won't be forced to share details about your diagnosis if you don't feel comfortable. The focus is on the mindfulness practices and how they affect you.

Do I need to be religious to take part?

No, you don't need to be religious or follow any specific faith. The study explores wisdom concepts that can be beneficial to anyone, regardless of their beliefs.

What if I can't finish the study?

Your participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time without explanation. This will not affect your medical care in any way.

How to find out more

Chloe Wells

c.wells2@derby.ac.uk +44 (0)1332 590500 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.