Issues of mindfulness implementation for oncology caregivers

J Complement Integr Med. 2021 Nov 22;19(3):791-797. doi: 10.1515/jcim-2021-0372. eCollection 2022 Sep 1.

Abstract

Objectives: Burn out is high in oncology. We aim to evaluate the feasibility and identify the barriers for mindfulness implementation in oncology professionals.

Methods: We conducted a pilot study in which voluntary oncology caregivers entered mindfulness workshops, and complete online questionnaires. We also conducted a qualitative study to better identify the practical reasons which hamper the implementation of mindfulness in oncology caregivers having refused to participate.

Results: 83.3% of volunteers for the workshops were women, 60.00% (16/30) of caregivers completed the program. Caregivers' resistances to mindfulness practice were: a lack of availability and information, complex organisation with limited free time, and accept spending time to take care of themselves.

Conclusions: This work highlights the interest of mindfulness for caregivers in oncology, we have identified specific issues hindering the implementation of such technique which can be further investigated.

Keywords: burn out; caregivers; mindfulness; oncology.

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mindfulness* / methods
  • Pilot Projects
  • Surveys and Questionnaires