Integrating Virtual Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Into Inflammatory Bowel Disease Care: Mixed Methods...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Psychiatry
• Digital Health

Background:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients suffer physical symptoms and psychological distress, often with untreated anxiety and depression.
• The cyclical nature of IBD exacerbates physical and mental health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a virtual mindfulness-based stress reduction (v-MBSR) program for adults with IBD.
• To evaluate the impact of v-MBSR on anxiety, depression, quality of life, and mindfulness in IBD patients.

Main Methods:

• An 8-week virtual mindfulness-based stress reduction (v-MBSR) intervention was delivered via videoconferencing to IBD patients reporting anxiety or depression.
• Feasibility was measured by uptake, adherence, attendance, and attrition; effectiveness by anxiety, depression, quality of life (QoL), and mindfulness scores at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess participant experience and acceptability.

Main Results:

• 25% of referred IBD patients participated; 43.8% completed the v-MBSR program.
• Participants showed decreased anxiety and depression, and increased health-related QoL, with sustained benefits at 6-month follow-up.
• Patients reported enhanced coping strategies and disease management skills.

Conclusions:

• Virtual mindfulness-based stress reduction (v-MBSR) is a feasible and acceptable intervention for IBD patients, demonstrating sustainable improvements in mental health and QoL.
• The time intensity of v-MBSR may limit participation for some individuals with IBD.
• Further research is needed to identify IBD patient subgroups who would most benefit from v-MBSR.