Are mindfulness groups more mindful face to face or online? A comparison of delivering a mindfulness based well-being group for parents of children with a chronic health condition.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Mindfulness has been shown to be an effective group intervention for adults and children living with a range of medical conditions. Recently, research has also explored the impact of mindfulness interventions offered to parents of children with health conditions. Few studies have examined whether the mode of delivery (face-to-face vs online) has an impact on outcomes. METHODS: Four mindfulness based wellbeing courses for parents (MBWP) of children with a chronic medical condition were run (two face to face and two online). All parents (N=37) completed the WHO Well-being Questionnaire and Neff Self-Compassion Scale Questionnaire-Short Form at the beginning and end of each course. Parents' experience of the course was also explored using a semi-structured interview 6 weeks after completing the course, with their responses analysed using Thematic analysis. RESULTS: The groups had a statistically significant positive impact on both parent well-being and self-compassion and were equally effective face-to-face or online. All parents reported incorporating informal mindfulness practices into their day-to-day lives 6 weeks post-course The qualitative analysis highlighted improvements in present moment focus, kindness to self, and family relationships. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Parents valued connecting with other parents of young people with both similar and different medical conditions, within both face-to-face and online groups, increasing the accessibility of MBWP.

Keeping young people connected during COVID-19: the role of online groups.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on young people, disrupting education, routines, hobbies and peer interactions and there is concern for longer term effects on physical and mental health outcomes. Young people living with chronic health conditions face additional challenges including reduced or no face-to-face contact with medical teams, shielding and the increased stressors of being in 'at-risk' groups and social isolation. In a climate of social isolation and disconnectedness, online groups could provide a method of delivering healthcare and support that strengthens social connectedness and reduces isolation. Despite the technology being available, uptake and evidence for online groups is limited. This article shares learnings from a paediatric and adolescent psychology service delivering online groups for young people with chronic health conditions and their healthcare teams. Ideas for how to transfer group process to online platforms are considered, with examples and tips. With sufficient staffing, preparation, thought, creativity and innovation, it is possible for face-to-face groups to successfully be offered online. Caution should be exercised trying to run online groups without these provisions in place, as the safety, comfort and experience of young people could be jeopardised. Further research is needed to better understand group processes online and to consider what is lost and what is gained when comparing online to face-to-face groups.