Online mindfulness for anxiety and depression symptoms after stroke: a mixed methods study

Ben Parkinson*, Maggie Lawrence, Evelyn McElhinney, Jo Booth

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Background
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can improve symptoms of anxiety/depression. Learning mindfulness in a stroke survivor-caregiver partnership (e.g. spouses) might help improve mood and be preferable for some people. Be Mindful is an online MBI, not previously evaluated with stroke survivor-caregiver partnerships.
Aim
To evaluate the experience and outcomes for stroke survivor-caregiver partnerships using Be Mindful together.
Methods
Mixed methods case study research with an explanatory sequential design. Ethically approved and prospectively registered (NCT03473054). Stroke survivor-caregiver partnerships experiencing anxiety/depression symptoms were purposively recruited from the UK in 2019. Participants were enrolled onto Be Mindful, an asynchronous, 4-week, online mindfulness course. Data collection at weeks 0, 4, and 8 included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Mutuality Scale, and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. Post-intervention interviews were completed. Effectiveness was evaluated using minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to explain the meaningfulness of mindfulness and contextualise findings.
Results
5 stroke survivor-caregiver partnerships (n=10 participants) participated. Be Mindful engagement varied between 0%-100%. Modal engagement was 75% at week 4 and 100% by week 8. Participants reported improvement in mutuality (n=3) and mindfulness (n=8). MCID was achieved for anxiety (n=5) and depression (n=2) symptoms. IPA analysis identified dialectical tension as a means of articulating the themes: curiosity, usage, togetherness, and change.
Conclusion
Stroke survivor-caregiver partnerships experience some improvement in mutuality, mindfulness, and anxiety/depression symptoms after using Be Mindful. Engagement and experiences varied. The findings are complex and preliminary; more research is needed before making firm recommendations.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2022
Event17th UK Stroke Forum Conference - Liverpool, United Kingdom
Duration: 29 Nov 20221 Dec 2022
https://www.stroke.org.uk/professionals/uk-stroke-forum/about-uk-stroke-forum (Link to conference website)

Conference

Conference17th UK Stroke Forum Conference
Abbreviated titleUKSF 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLiverpool
Period29/11/221/12/22
Internet address

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