Mindfulness app for brain tumors

The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of a mindfulness treatment delivered by a commercial App-based mindfulness training or AMT (Headspace 'Registered Trademark') in patients with primary or secondary brain tumours. This project aims to deliver an 8-week mindfulness treatment to ten participants diagnosed with brain tumours in Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board. Participants will be recruited in the neurosurgical ward and/or clinic. If considered eligible by their treating clinician, they will be told about the study. If interested, they will be approached and given information about the study (including the study brochure) before surgery. Prior to (or subsequent to) discharge after an uncomplicated surgery, patients who are interested in participating will meet with either J Jordan or C De Tommasi to go through the information sheet and provide informed consent. They will complete a self-report questionnaire booklet assessing demographic, anxiety and mood symptoms, quality of life and mindfulness questionnaires. The measures include the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, general quality of life (QoL, SF-12) and disease specific quality of life (FACT-BR). Clinical information regarding tumour management will also be collected: tumour histology, surgical treatment, adjuvant therapy, medications etc. Participant confidentiality will be preserved by allocation of a unique research identifier. Participants will then receive a preliminary 10 minute guided mindfulness practice session via the AMT Headspace 'Registered Trademark', and will receive an email with a unique activation code for a free full subscription for 1 year to Headspace 'Registered Trademark'. This is an easily accessible self-guided meditation application that allows patients to customize their experience. We will not impose specific criteria with regard to app use and utilization but will recommend a minimum of 10 minutes’ daily practice for at least 8 weeks. Participants will be informed on the information sheet that we will be obtaining data about frequency and duration of practice from the app provider about their use of the app during the project. We will re-assess patients at end treatment (week 8) and at 1-month follow-up (12 weeks), repeating key measures (HADS, FFMQ and QoL measures). A treatment satisfaction and feedback questionnaire will also be completed at end treatment. To assist with retention the following strategies will be employed: 1) fortnightly check-in text or email to keep participants engaged and address questions and 2) the study incentive (i.e., free one year subscription to Headspace 'Registered Trademark' app). Enrolment will be continuous until a proposed sample of 10 participants is obtained. There will be no cost to participants to take part in this study. The researchers include registered health professionals (CDT and JJ) and have processes for dealing with any clinical matters arising during the treatment. This research is investigator-devised and led.