The effect of 5-minute mindfulness of peace on suffering and spiritual well-being among palliative care patients: A randomized controlled study

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2021

Abstract

Background: Mindfulness practices may have a role in reducing suffering and improving spiritual well-being among patients with serious illness. The efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of such interventions warrant further exploration in the palliative care population. Objective: To investigate the effect of a brief mindfulness practice, the 5-minute mindfulness of peace intervention, on suffering and spiritual well-being among palliative care patients. Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted on adult palliative care patients with moderate to severe levels of suffering. Participants in the intervention arm were guided through a 5-minute mindfulness of peace exercise while participants in the control arm received 5 minutes of active listening. Pre- and post-intervention suffering and spiritual well-being were measured using the Suffering Pictogram and the FACIT-Sp-12 questionnaire, respectively. Results: 40 participants completed the study. 5-minute mindfulness of peace significantly reduced suffering (median = -3.00, IQR = 2.00) more than 5 minutes of active listening (median = -1.00, IQR = 1.75), U = 73.50, z = -3.48, p = 0.001, eta(2) = 0.31. FACIT-Sp-12 score also significantly improved in the intervention arm (median = +5.00, IQR = 2.75) compared with the control arm after 5 minutes (median = +1.00, IQR = 3.00), U = 95.50, z = -2.85, p = 0.004, eta(2) = 0.21. Conclusions: A brief 5-minute mindfulness of peace exercise is effective in providing immediate relief of suffering and improving spiritual well-being. It is a useful and feasible intervention among patients receiving palliative care for rapidly and momentarily reducing spiritual suffering.

Keywords

Mindfulness, Brief mindfulness exercise, Palliative care, Suffering, Spirituality, Mindfulness of peace

Publication Title

American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine

Divisions

fac_med

Volume

38

Issue

9

Publisher

Sage Publications Inc

Publisher Location

2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320 USA

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