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Exploring the perceptions of cancer survivors of a mindfulness intervention at a tertiary hospital in Singapore: a descriptive qualitative study

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Abstract

Background

Cancer survivors often experience physical and psychological symptoms that may affect their daily activities and quality of life. A mindfulness-based psychoeducation for cancer survivors, (MindCAN) program, has been established to help cancer survivors manage their physical and psychological symptoms. This study aimed to explore perceptions of participants who attended the MindCAN program.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Purposive sampling was used to recruit adult cancer survivors. They attended the MindCAN program that was conducted once a week for 8 weeks, comprising education and mindfulness practice. Two focus group interviews were conducted to elicit the participants’ perceptions of the program. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was performed to identify essential themes and subthemes. Trustworthiness, including creditability, confirmability, dependability, and transferability were ascertained.

Results

A total of 13 participants were recruited. Most of whom were Chinese, female, and single. The participants’ perceptions were documented in five major themes: heightened awareness of the self, enriching body experiences through mindfulness practice, cultivating powerful minds and positive emotions, integrating mindfulness to daily life, and embracing interpersonal mindfulness.

Conclusion

Overall, the MindCAN program received positive comments from cancer survivors. They reported increased self-awareness, pleasant body experiences, positive thinking and emotions, and relaxation. Future research is required to test the effectiveness of the program.

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Funding

This study has received NCIS-CHSPR Health Services Research Grant, Singapore, since 2018. Dr. Piyanee Klainin-Yobas is the principal investigator.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sengkang General Hospital, 110 Sengkang East Way, Singapore, 544886, Singapore

    Li Pin Sharon Goei

  2. College of Nursing, Hubei University of Medicine, 30 South Renmin Road, Shiyan City, 442000, Hubei Province, China

    Violeta Lopez

  3. Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, National University of Singapore, MD 11, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre 10 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117597, Singapore

    Piyanee Klainin-Yobas

Authors
  1. Li Pin Sharon Goei
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  2. Violeta Lopez
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  3. Piyanee Klainin-Yobas
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Correspondence to Piyanee Klainin-Yobas.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Research involving human participants

This study received ethics approval from Domain Specific Review Board (DSRB), Singapore, since 18 August 2018.

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Goei, L.P.S., Lopez, V. & Klainin-Yobas, P. Exploring the perceptions of cancer survivors of a mindfulness intervention at a tertiary hospital in Singapore: a descriptive qualitative study. Support Care Cancer 29, 2723–2733 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-020-05792-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-020-05792-4

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