Feasibility of the Hemomindful Program: a mindfulness-based program performed during hemodialysis

Recent evidence indicates that mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) improve overall well-being and the ability to cope with kidney failure and hemodialysis stressors. However, intradialytic MBPs are poorly investigated.

The aim of this study was to describe the study protocol, evaluate the feasibility and perceived effects of the Hemomindful Program.

The results presented are from a mixed-methods randomized controlled trial. Thirty-two adults with kidney failure were randomized into the Hemomindful Program, which consisting of 8 weekly individual sessions of 1 hour delivered at chairside during hemodialysis combined with the treatment as usual (TAU), or TAU alone. Feasibility was assessed based on retention of the study protocol, adherence to the Hemomindful Program, its safety, and participant satisfaction. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in the intervention arm immediately following treatment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and discursive textual analysis.

The overall rate of adherence to the study protocol was 84.38%. Among the participants in the Hemomindful Program (n = 16), 15 had four or more sessions (93.7%) and 12 completed the protocol (75%). Degree of importance attributed to the intervention was 8.58 (SD = 2.06) and intention to maintain the formal and informal mindfulness practices after the intervention was 6.67 (SD = 2.93) and 8.5 (SD = 2.31). The qualitative analysis indicated satisfaction with the perceived changes (greater awareness in daily activities, less reactivity, management of pain and discomfort) and the structure of the program.

The Hemomindful Program showed positive indicators of feasibility, with good retention, acceptability and safety.