A telephonic mindfulness-based intervention for persons with sickle cell disease: study protocol for a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Behavioral Medicine
• Hematology

Background:

• Chronic pain affects one-third of individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), increasing pain intensity and hospital visits.
• Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are a promising nonpharmacological approach for managing pain's physical and emotional aspects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a telephonic MBI for adults with SCD experiencing chronic pain.
• To assess the impact of the MBI on pain catastrophizing in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial enrolling 60 adults with SCD and chronic pain.
• Participants were randomized to a six-session, telephonically delivered MBI group or a wait-listed control group.
• Feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy were assessed via questionnaires at baseline and weeks 1, 3, and 6; semistructured interviews were conducted with a subset of participants.

Main Results:

• This study protocol details the methods for a randomized controlled trial.
• Findings will inform the acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of MBIs for SCD chronic pain management.

Conclusions:

• The study aims to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of telephonic MBIs for individuals with SCD.
• Results will guide future research and clinical implementation of nonpharmacological pain management strategies for SCD.