Supporting Caregivers During Ambulatory Cancer Surgery: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Brief Mindfulness-Based Intervention to Reduce Anxiety.
Caregivers of patients undergoing ambulatory cancer surgery frequently experience heightened anxiety while having limited access to real-time psychosocial support. This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a brief, self-guided mindfulness-based audio intervention delivered in the surgical waiting room.
This pilot feasibility study used a primarily quantitative pre-post design. Informal caregivers were recruited via QR code with support from perioperative nurse liaisons. Participants completed the Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A) immediately before and after a 5-minute guided mindfulness meditation and rated satisfaction, perceived effectiveness, and likelihood of future use. Feasibility was assessed using enrollment and completion rates. Brief open-ended survey responses were collected to descriptively contextualize feasibility and acceptability findings.
Of 73 caregivers who accessed the study, 49 (67.1%) enrolled. Among enrolled participants, 44 (89.8%) completed the preintervention assessment and meditation, and 27 (55.1%) completed both pre- and postintervention assessments, meeting predefined feasibility thresholds. Mean anxiety scores decreased significantly from pre- to postintervention (5.67 to 4.41; t(26) = 4.49, P < .001). Acceptability ratings exceeded the neutral midpoint (>3.0) on a five-point scale. Descriptive feedback highlighted the calming quality of the guided audio and appreciation for self-care messaging, alongside minor technical challenges related to volume, background noise, and audio playback.
A brief, self-administered mindfulness meditation delivered via personal devices was feasible, acceptable, and associated with reduced caregiver anxiety in an ambulatory oncology setting.
Ultra-brief, technology-enabled mindfulness interventions can be integrated into perioperative workflows to address acute caregiver distress without disrupting care delivery. Oncology nurses are well positioned to facilitate implementation of such low-burden supports, which may enhance caregiver well-being and preparedness for postoperative care. Future studies should evaluate effectiveness across diverse settings and optimize delivery to minimize technical barriers.
This pilot feasibility study used a primarily quantitative pre-post design. Informal caregivers were recruited via QR code with support from perioperative nurse liaisons. Participants completed the Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A) immediately before and after a 5-minute guided mindfulness meditation and rated satisfaction, perceived effectiveness, and likelihood of future use. Feasibility was assessed using enrollment and completion rates. Brief open-ended survey responses were collected to descriptively contextualize feasibility and acceptability findings.
Of 73 caregivers who accessed the study, 49 (67.1%) enrolled. Among enrolled participants, 44 (89.8%) completed the preintervention assessment and meditation, and 27 (55.1%) completed both pre- and postintervention assessments, meeting predefined feasibility thresholds. Mean anxiety scores decreased significantly from pre- to postintervention (5.67 to 4.41; t(26) = 4.49, P < .001). Acceptability ratings exceeded the neutral midpoint (>3.0) on a five-point scale. Descriptive feedback highlighted the calming quality of the guided audio and appreciation for self-care messaging, alongside minor technical challenges related to volume, background noise, and audio playback.
A brief, self-administered mindfulness meditation delivered via personal devices was feasible, acceptable, and associated with reduced caregiver anxiety in an ambulatory oncology setting.
Ultra-brief, technology-enabled mindfulness interventions can be integrated into perioperative workflows to address acute caregiver distress without disrupting care delivery. Oncology nurses are well positioned to facilitate implementation of such low-burden supports, which may enhance caregiver well-being and preparedness for postoperative care. Future studies should evaluate effectiveness across diverse settings and optimize delivery to minimize technical barriers.
Authors
Majumdar Majumdar, Strauss Strauss, Strah Strah, Mendez Mendez, Fromkin Fromkin, Dannaoui Dannaoui, Caramore Caramore, O'Leary O'Leary, Liou Liou, Barton-Burke Barton-Burke
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