Development of a Meditation Program in an Oncology Setting and the Public Health Need for it

Introduction

Meditation has been shown through public health research to aid cancer patients in dealing with many aspects of their cancer journey. It is important for meditation to be incorporated into public health programs. We will describe a meditation program in an urban cancer hospital and discuss how it can be replicated in other public health settings to provide benefit to patients and caregivers.

Methods:

We developed two meditation programs conducted by a social worker trained in mindfulness based meditation: a drop-in class and five week series. Both were accompanied by an audio CD with guided meditations. Goals: increase ability to relax, enhance coping, reduce pain and anxiety. Three different methods of meditation were taught: the body scan, awareness of sound and breath, and “Metta”, loving-kindness.

Results: Over two years, there were 44 one-hour drop-in sessions and two 5-week closed group series. Average age was 48.5 (25:74), 87% Females, 13% Males. Attendance: 310, with 159 individual participants taking part: patients (68%), family members (21%), staff (11%). 48% had never used meditation prior to class. 94% reported they found the class helpful. Top three reasons participants found program beneficial are: 1) Helped with decreasing anxiety, 2) Helped with coping strategies, 3) Helped with focusing.

Conclusions:

The response to the meditation programs was very positive. The meditation strategies enhance a sense of self-efficacy. Meditation is an important tool to know about and to use on the cancer journey and this can be easily incorporated into public health settings.