{"title":"Mindfulness-Based Self-Management Program Using a Mobile Application for Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension: A Single-Arm Feasibility Study.","authors":"Yuka Takita, Junko Morishita, Sunre Park, Ayumi Goda, Takumi Inami, Hanako Kikuchi, Takashi Kohno, Masaharu Kataoka, Daisuke Fujisawa","doi":"10.2196/79639","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mindfulness-based interventions have been applied across various chronic illnesses, but no tailored program exists for individuals with pulmonary hypertension (PH).</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a mindfulness-based self-management program for patients with PH, delivered online to accommodate their limited mobility.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A single-arm pre-post study was conducted using an eight-session, weekly videoconference program incorporating PH self-management education and elements of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. A mobile application linked to an Apple Watch was used to support symptom monitoring and mindfulness awareness. Outcomes included PH-related symptoms; quality of life (emPHasis-10); depression (PHQ-9); anxiety (GAD-7); resilience (CD-RISC); and loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale-short version). Assessments occurred at baseline, week 4, and program completion. Exit interviews explored perceived changes and experiences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twelve participants (mean age 41.8, SD 10.5 years; range 26-56 years) were enrolled, and nine completed the program (75% retention). Participants valued the online format and Apple Watch integration, while noting a need for optional on-demand sessions. Qualitative analysis identified themes such as increased self-awareness, use of meditation for pain management, and enhanced self-compassion. Quantitative analysis showed significant changes across three time points (baseline, week 4, week 8) for emPHasis-10 (χ²₂=9.742; P = .008) and CD-RISC (χ²₂=7.267; P = .03). Trends toward change were observed for PHQ-9 (χ²₂=4.750; P = .09) and GAD-7 (χ²₂=5.067; P = .08), but week-12 data were limited (n=5). No significant changes in loneliness were observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The program appeared to support patients with PH in managing symptoms and emotions and suggested potential improvements in quality of life. These preliminary findings warrant evaluation in a future randomized controlled trial.</p><p><strong>Clinicaltrial: </strong>UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000044075; https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000050319.</p>","PeriodicalId":14706,"journal":{"name":"JMIR Cardio","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4000,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"JMIR Cardio","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.2196/79639","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"Medicine","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Mindfulness-based interventions have been applied across various chronic illnesses, but no tailored program exists for individuals with pulmonary hypertension (PH).
Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a mindfulness-based self-management program for patients with PH, delivered online to accommodate their limited mobility.
Methods: A single-arm pre-post study was conducted using an eight-session, weekly videoconference program incorporating PH self-management education and elements of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. A mobile application linked to an Apple Watch was used to support symptom monitoring and mindfulness awareness. Outcomes included PH-related symptoms; quality of life (emPHasis-10); depression (PHQ-9); anxiety (GAD-7); resilience (CD-RISC); and loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale-short version). Assessments occurred at baseline, week 4, and program completion. Exit interviews explored perceived changes and experiences.
Results: Twelve participants (mean age 41.8, SD 10.5 years; range 26-56 years) were enrolled, and nine completed the program (75% retention). Participants valued the online format and Apple Watch integration, while noting a need for optional on-demand sessions. Qualitative analysis identified themes such as increased self-awareness, use of meditation for pain management, and enhanced self-compassion. Quantitative analysis showed significant changes across three time points (baseline, week 4, week 8) for emPHasis-10 (χ²₂=9.742; P = .008) and CD-RISC (χ²₂=7.267; P = .03). Trends toward change were observed for PHQ-9 (χ²₂=4.750; P = .09) and GAD-7 (χ²₂=5.067; P = .08), but week-12 data were limited (n=5). No significant changes in loneliness were observed.
Conclusions: The program appeared to support patients with PH in managing symptoms and emotions and suggested potential improvements in quality of life. These preliminary findings warrant evaluation in a future randomized controlled trial.