App Intervention based on Mind Body Medicine for Cancer patients (AIM-C)

App Intervention based on Mind Body Medicine for Cancer patients (AIM-C)


Background:
Mind Body Medicine (MBM) interventions are effective to reduce cancer related distress if they are delivered in a face to face setting. We developed a MBM app with three different exercises (mindfulness meditation, guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation) and will evaluate the use and potential health benefits for cancer patients (registered at DRKS00010481).

Methods:
In this prospective observational study with a mixed methods approach 160 adult cancer patients can use the app for ten weeks. Quantitative data include clinical data, self-reported health outcomes (i.e. PROMIS 29, HADS, FACT-G, Distress Thermometer) and treatment satisfaction by questionnaires and via a continous assessment in the app. Interviews with users and non-users give insights into feasibility. The study is guided by the RE-AIM evaluation framework.

Results and Discussion:
The development of the MBM App was finished in April 2016 and the recruitment of patients started in July 2016. First data (February 2017; N=45) about 10 weeks use showed that half of the cancer patients practiced with the app at least three times a week. The decline of the weekly use from the first week (mean > 4 times), to week five (mean > 3 times) to week ten (mean about two times) is moderate. User acknowledged the easy to implement intervention in their daily routine. Non-users had extensive experience in meditation or did not enjoy the speakers voice.

Principle Investigator:
Barth, PhD (PI)
Witt, MD, MBA (Co-PI)

Project coordinator:
Mikolasek

Research associates:
Witt, MD, MBA

Statistics:
Barth, PhD

Project duration:
2015-2018

Project status:
main phase

Funding:
Swiss Cancer League