None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The objectives of this project are to: (1) identify currently levels of distress in a waiting list for Total joint arthroplasty (TJA), and (2) administer an eight-session group mindfulness training intervention to 30 volunteers on the TJA waiting list. It is hypothesised that (1) levels of pain will be adversely associated with depression, anxiety and lower Quality of Life; (2) the intervention will lead to better tolerance of symptoms, an improved quality of life. Mindfulness is “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment”. Training involves instruction in a number of meditation techniques as well as teaching on how to remain focused on the present moment in day to day activities. There is now extensive scientific evidence showing that mindfulness training leads to an improvement in emotional and physical symptoms in a variety of disorders such as chronic pain, cancer, depression, anxiety and substance use among others. To our knowledge, this technique has not previously been used with TJA patients. 135 participants (waiting list of TJA-surgery patients [Currently: 78 knees and 57 hips] who do not have a date for surgery as yet) will be mailed a PICF and study questionnaire (with pre-addressed-stamped envelope). Those who wish to participate in the 8 weekly group mindfulness intervention will indicate their interest on the study questionnaire and contacted by the researchers to organize the intake interview and commencement intervention details. 30 volunteer patients who identify as experiencing pain and emotional distress associated with their TJA who are on the St Vincent’s TJA surgery wait list will be recruited. Participants who wish to complete the study questionnaires, but not part of the mindfulness intervention will also be recruited; this treatment-as-usual group will provide a comparison to the TJA mindfulness group. All participants will be aged 18 years or more, and will be fluent in English. Participants will be excluded if: (1) they experience psychotic symptoms, delirium or dementia, (2) they suffer drug or alcohol dependence; or (3) they have a diagnosis of intellectual disability. Based on the results of this study it is planned to apply for grant to conduct a randomized controlled trial of the piloted intervention. Surgical date will not be adversely impacted upon, if participants do (or do not) participate in this pilot study. In addition to the initial questionnaire data, participants will also be asked to complete the questionnaire again at the program completion, three months following the intervention, and 3 months post-surgery.
Interventions
Administation of an eight-session group mindfulness training intervention to 30 volunteers on the TJA waiting list (once a week over a total of 8 weeks).
The Mindfulness Intervention
The eight sessions (conducted by KM and SK) will be of 1.5 hours duration each (including breaks) and will have 3 components.
Supportive group – patients will share their illness experience
Psycho-education on the stress response and how it impacts on illness
Managing stress through mindfulness
The program cont
Administation of an eight-session group mindfulness training intervention to 30 volunteers on the TJA waiting list (once a week over a total of 8 weeks). The Mindfulness Intervention The eight sessions (conducted by KM and SK) will be of 1.5 hours duration each (including breaks) and will have 3 components. Supportive group – patients will share their illness experience Psycho-education on the stress response and how it impacts on illness Managing stress through mindfulness The program content is outlined below. All session will be conducted in a group room at St Vincent Hospital in Melbourne. Session 1 Introductions Introduction to the program Psych-education regarding the impact of joint problems on the body, quality of life and psychological health Normalizing the “joint pain” experience and the relationship between stress and physical ill health Session 2 Discussion of Stress Model and illness Introduction to the mindfulness model Introduction to awareness of breath Session 3 Discussion regarding the stressors associated with illness Body scan meditation (which is practiced during the session). Discussion regarding body scan Session 4 Discussion of experience of homework exercise. Discussing of stress management strategies Sitting mindfulness exercise. Introduction to mindful walking (and practice during the session) Discussion regarding walking meditation Provision of homework exercise Session 5 Discussion of experience of homework exercise. Introduction to alternatives to the breath as a focus of attention during sitting mindfulness Practice of mindful stretching Practice of mindful walking Provision of homework exercise Session 6 Discussion of experience of homework exercise. Managing stresses involved in communicating with others Introduction to mindfulness of emotions Practice of sitting mindfulness Practice of mindful stretching Provision of homework exercise Session 7 Discussion of experience of homework exercise. Further elaboration of alternative foci of attention during meditation. Practice of sitting mindfulness Practice of mindful walking Preparation for termination of the 8-week intervention Provision of homework exercise Session 8 Discussion of experience of homework exercise. Review Discussion on ongoing practice Sitting mindfulness meditation. Completion of questionnaires
Sponsors
St Vincents Hospital
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Educational / counselling / training
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Patients who are on the St Vincent’s TJA surgery waitlist. Aged above 18 years old or older. Fluent in English
Exclusion criteria
Participants will be excluded if they have a diagnosed psychotic disorder, or have been diagnosed with dementia or intellectual disability. If they are likely to be experiencing significant symptoms of substance intoxication or withdrawal during program sessions.
Outcome results
None listed