Mindfulness knowledge and practice in patients with cardiopulmonary conditions: A qualitative thematic analysis of adults living with pulmonary hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease✰

Abstract

Background

Mindfulness practice has shown therapeutic benefits in symptom reduction and improved quality of life for adults with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some studies testing mindfulness-based interventions often include patients’ perspectives about their engagement and acceptability of the tested intervention. Yet, a knowledge gap remains about those who have not participated in mindfulness clinical trials.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiential insights of community-dwelling adults with PH and COPD regarding learning and practicing mindfulness. They were asked to reflect on their understanding of mindfulness, how they acquired the knowledge, and how they practice it, as well as its relationship to disease management.

Methods

Twenty adults (n = 10 PH and n = 10 COPD) provided their perspectives via one-on-one focused interviews after participating in a parent survey study. A qualitative thematic analysis of 20 transcripts was conducted to summarize the main themes relevant to their perspectives.

Results

Qualitative analysis revealed six main contextual themes related to mindfulness and disease management: (1) acceptability and accessibility, (2) benefits of mindfulness, (3) barriers to engagement, (4) understanding of mindfulness, (5) symptom management, and (6) introduction and promotion of mindfulness.

Conclusion

Understanding non-research participants’ mindfulness knowledge and practice through their experiences provides considerations for future research. Perspectives from these individuals, who were not self-selected for the research, are valuable because they inform the clinical implementation of creating appropriate mindfulness-based interventions that are likely to be successful in the real world.