The effect of 5-minute mindfulness of peace on suffering and spiritual well-being among palliative care patients: A randomized controlled study

• Main Authors: Yik, Lim Liang, Ling, Look Mei, Ai, Lim Min, Ting, Ang Bin, Capelle, David Paul, Zainuddin, Sheriza Izwa, Beng, Tan Seng, Loh, Ee Chin, Lam, Chee Loong
• Format: Article
• Published: Sage Publications Inc 2021
• Subjects: RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/34298/

Background: Mindfulness practices may have a role in reducing suffering and improving spiritual well-being among patients with serious illness. The efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of such interventions warrant further exploration in the palliative care population. Objective: To investigate the effect of a brief mindfulness practice, the 5-minute mindfulness of peace intervention, on suffering and spiritual well-being among palliative care patients. Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted on adult palliative care patients with moderate to severe levels of suffering. Participants in the intervention arm were guided through a 5-minute mindfulness of peace exercise while participants in the control arm received 5 minutes of active listening. Pre- and post-intervention suffering and spiritual well-being were measured using the Suffering Pictogram and the FACIT-Sp-12 questionnaire, respectively. Results: 40 participants completed the study. 5-minute mindfulness of peace significantly reduced suffering (median = -3.00, IQR = 2.00) more than 5 minutes of active listening (median = -1.00, IQR = 1.75), U = 73.50, z = -3.48, p = 0.001, eta(2) = 0.31. FACIT-Sp-12 score also significantly improved in the intervention arm (median = +5.00, IQR = 2.75) compared with the control arm after 5 minutes (median = +1.00, IQR = 3.00), U = 95.50, z = -2.85, p = 0.004, eta(2) = 0.21. Conclusions: A brief 5-minute mindfulness of peace exercise is effective in providing immediate relief of suffering and improving spiritual well-being. It is a useful and feasible intervention among patients receiving palliative care for rapidly and momentarily reducing spiritual suffering.