A Mindfulness Approach to Scanxiety
Kimberley Roche
Summary
"Scanxiety" is a term coined to describe anxiety related to imaging during cancer treatment and has not been robustly studied in pediatric oncology caregivers. Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a meditation-based program that offers a non-pharmacologic approach to managing stress. The main purposes of this study are two-fold: 1). to determine if scanxiety exists in the caregivers of pediatric oncology patients and 2.) if scanxiety is found, does the implementation of a mindfulness program help to improve caregiver anxiety related to imaging.
Description
"Scanxiety" is a term coined to describe anxiety related to imaging during cancer treatment. It is multifactorial and includes anxiety leading up to the scan as well as the waiting period after imaging and prior to results, as well as worry about possible changes in treatment. It has been documented in adult oncology literature and is associated with lower quality of life. Past adult studies show an inverse relationship with time since diagnosis and scanxiety, the further out from diagnosis, the lower level of scanxiety. Scanxiety is higher in those with lower education levels and higher basel…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Able to understand spoken English and be able to read written English * 18 years of age or older * Able to understand and willing to sign informed consent document * Have access to a smart phone or tablet device that is able to receive texts * Is a caregiver of any age oncology patient (including patients above 18 years of age) * Caregiver of a patient that is scheduled for a routine scan (CT's, MRI's, PET scans) within the upcoming 3 months * If assigned to the Phase 2 intervention group, willing and able to eat a raisin (a box of which will be mailed to home address)…
Interventions
- OtherMindful Module Caregiver Packet
If Scanxiety was identified, patient's caregiver will receive the Mindful Module Caregiver Packet. The intervention group will receive the daily module on Days 1-7; Day 7 being the day before scan. At the end of the module (Day 7), they will be directed to two surveys (STAI and Feasibility of the Program).
Location
- Connecticut Children's Medical CenterHartford, Connecticut