title: Perceptions about using mindfulness therapy: a lung cancer focus group study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients with lung cancer are in need of effective strategies to modify symptom burden and improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). One promising approach to symptom management is an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention, which incorporates meditation, breathing, and gentle yoga exercises. It requires few resources to implement, but has not been adequately tested with lung cancer patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to obtain lung cancer patient perceptions of a mindfulness-based intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven lung cancer patients participated in audio-taped focus group sessions led by the investigator. Discussion questions probed patient perceptions of mindfulness in terms of symptom management, including benefits and barriers to this therapy and ways the intervention may need to be adapted to accommodate them.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three primary themes from the qualitative analysis include (1) awareness and interest, (2) perceived barriers and benefits, and (3) recommended adaptations. Specific perceptions included the importance of targeting key symptoms such as dyspnea, worry, and insomnia, whereas recommendations pointed out the need for a shorter duration than the standard 8-week protocol and a home-based approach for greater accessibility.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The design of mindfulness-based intervention protocols must consider unique characteristics of this vulnerable group, such as targeting specific symptoms, reducing the 8-week protocol, and a home-based offering.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses are integral to optimizing HRQOL and independent functioning for lung cancer patients. As lung cancer survivorship is extended, it becomes increasingly imperative that a range of supportive resources is available for patients to manage symptoms and improve HRQOL.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. rebecca.lehto@hc.msu.edu
authors.forename: Rebecca H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Lehto
authors.forename: Gwen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wyatt
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D019122:Meditation / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D026441:Mind-Body Therapies / Q000379:methods*; D010465:Perception; D011788:Quality of Life; D012064:Relaxation Therapy / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome