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Using qualitative evaluation in a feasibility study to improve and refine a complementary therapy intervention prior
Marsha Fonteyn1, Susan Bauer-Wu
1The Phyllis F. Cantor Center, Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, 44 Binney Street G220, Boston, MA 02115-6084, USA. marsha_fonteyn@dfci.harvard.edu
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
|November 18, 2005
Summary
This study refined a mindfulness meditation (MM) intervention for stem cell transplant patients. Patient feedback from guided interviews improved the MM therapy, paving the way for future clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Oncology
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Qualitative Research Methods
Background:
- Feasibility studies are crucial for evaluating and refining complementary therapies.
- Stem cell/autologous bone marrow transplant (SC/ABMT) patients may benefit from supportive interventions.
- Mindfulness meditation (MM) is a complementary therapy with potential applications in supportive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of a mindfulness meditation (MM) intervention in SC/ABMT patients.
- To gather patient feedback for refining the MM intervention.
- To inform the design of future randomized controlled trials.
Main Methods:
- Conducted guided interviews with 19 SC/ABMT patients participating in an MM feasibility study.
- Transcribed audiotapes of interviews.
- Utilized QRS NVivo software for qualitative data management and analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified patient preferences and suggestions for improving the MM intervention.
- Qualitative data provided rich insights into patient experiences.
- The MM intervention was refined based on participant feedback.
Conclusions:
- Qualitative evaluation of complementary therapies is essential for intervention refinement.
- Preliminary qualitative work can optimize resource allocation for future rigorous trials.
- Refined MM intervention is planned for further testing in a randomized controlled trial.