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Abstract

Background. Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to effectively reduce anxiety, depression and pain in patients with chronic physical illnesses.

Objectives. We assessed the potential effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a specially adapted Skype distant-delivered mindfulness intervention, designed to reduce distress for people affected by primary and secondary progressive MS.

Methods. Forty participants were randomly assigned to the 8-week intervention (n=19) or a waiting-list control group (n=21). Participants completed standardised questionnaires to measure mood, impact of MS and symptom severity, quality of life and service costs at baseline, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up.

Results. Distress scores were lower in the intervention group compared with the control group at post-intervention and follow-up (p<0.05), effect size -.64 post-intervention and -.94 at follow-up. Mean scores for pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, impact of MS were reduced for the mindfulness group compared with control group at post-therapy and follow-up; effect sizes ranging from -.27 to -.99 post-intervention and -.29 to -1.12 at follow-up. There were no differences in quality-adjusted life years, but an 87.4% probability that the intervention saves on service costs and improves outcome.

Conclusions: A mindfulness intervention delivered through Skype video conferences appears accessible, feasible and potentially effective and cost-effective for people with progressive MS.

Publication Type:	Article
Publisher Keywords:	Multiple sclerosis, progressive, mindfulness, distress, anxiety, depression, pilot randomised control trial
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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