Exploring Cancer Patients' Experiences of an Online Mindfulness-Based Program: A Qualitative Investigation.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is a common condition cancer survivors experience. Mindfulness training may be one approach to address the psychosocial factors associated with CNP. The purpose of this study was to understand patients' experiences in an 8-week online mindfulness-based program (MBP), including techniques and skills learned and applied, barriers to practice, and research experiences. METHODS: Nineteen participants who were part of a randomized controlled trial consented to participate in a telephone interview or submit written responses via email post-course. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the principles of Applied Thematic Analysis (ATA). RESULTS: Predominant themes identified in participant interviews included (1) common humanity, (2) convenience, (3) teacher resonance, (4) perceived relaxation and calm, (5) pain and stress management, (6) half-day session, and (7) mindful breathing. Participants also identified helpful strategies learned and implemented from the course, as well as barriers to practice, and key components of their experiences in a randomized controlled trial, including a sense of disconnection post-course and needing continued ongoing sessions, and the importance of the facilitators' skills in creating a comfortable and supportive space. CONCLUSIONS: An online group-based MBP may offer a more accessible resource and form of psychosocial intervention and support for cancer survivors living with CNP. Furthermore, the need and consideration for implementing ongoing group maintenance sessions to minimize participants' feelings of disconnect and abandonment post-course and post-study are warranted in future MBP development.

Understanding the High Frequency Use of the Emergency Department for Patients With Chronic Pain: A Mixed-Methods Study.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pain (CP) is a common driver of emergency department (ED) visits despite the ED not being the ideal setting for CP because of increased risk of adverse events and high costs. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to understand factors contributing to CP-related ED visits, patients' care experiences, and patients' perspectives on alternatives to the ED. METHODS: We used a mixed-methods design combining semi-structured interviews and questionnaires with 12 patients with CP who had 12 or more ED visits over 1 year. We analyzed test scores using descriptive statistics and interviews using applied thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes emerged. Factors contributing to ED visits included the following: fear (e.g., pain and its impact); inability to cope with pain; family suggestions to go to the ED; and access to other services and resources. Patients had validating and invalidating experiences in the ED: needs were met or not met; and feeling acknowledged or unacknowledged. Patients' experiences with their family physician included feeling supported or unsupported. Alternatives to the ED included working with an interdisciplinary team, developing personalized care plans, and increased community-based resources. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CP and frequent ED use present with complex pain and care experiences, requiring careful attention to management strategies and the patient-provider relationship.