Global advances in integrative medicine and health最新文献

{"title":"Nature as Medicine and Classroom: Evaluating an Innovative, Outdoor Course for Medical and Dental Students.","authors":"Sierra M Trudel, Emily L Winter, Mary P Guerrera","doi":"10.1177/27536130241246788","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27536130241246788","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is a growing, global awareness and recognition of the important, interdependent relationships between our natural world and human health. Several contemporary health organizations have placed calls to action and emphasize an urgent need for collaboration and interdisciplinary research, education, and clinical work to address the increasing degradation of our planetary and human health. With more research dedicated to nature's health impacts, health professions schools would benefit by including such training in their programs while also cultivating a comprehensive mind-body health perspective to support both the health of student practitioners and their future patients.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The present program evaluation investigates a five-day outdoor mini-course covering nature-based health techniques at a medical and dental school in the American Northeast. This unique outdoor course combines nature, creativity, and reflection within the context of modern medicine.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A concurrent mixed-method design using descriptive statistics, quantitative and qualitative data from students' anonymous final course evaluations and final reflection projects are evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data suggests that students benefitted from their experience during this five-day course. Students provided feedback reinforcing the enjoyment and transformative outcomes gleaned from the course experiences. Students entered the course describing feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and overextended, not uncommon for learners in medical and dental school, and completed the course describing the acquisition of applicable skills, increased attention and mindfulness, creativity, and connection to the natural world.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Students described a positive experience of the course. Several areas of personal and professional development were also described, such as improvements within cognitive domains, enhanced connection with nature, others, and themselves, increased mindfulness, and overall improved well-being. Findings have implications for medical and dental programs on how such innovative training may lean into the work of nature-based care to provide for the whole person.</p>","PeriodicalId":73159,"journal":{"name":"Global advances in integrative medicine and health","volume":"13 ","pages":"27536130241246788"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11020736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140867791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Evolution of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teacher Training Programs for People Who Serve Historically Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups.","authors":"Abraham Dejene, Zoie Carter, Erin Woo, Shufang Sun, Eric B Loucks, Jeffrey Proulx","doi":"10.1177/27536130241244744","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27536130241244744","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is a lack of mindfulness instructors from underserved/underrepresented communities who have completed systematic mindfulness teacher-training programs to meet the growing demand for culturally responsive mindfulness training in those communities.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate strategies for increasing the representation of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teachers who serve historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Conducted through 4 one-hour Zoom focus groups (n = 54; women = 74%), this study queried individuals with experience serving underrepresented racial and ethnic communities, and had mindfulness experience, on how to increase participation from underrepresented communities in mindfulness. Thematic analysis of transcripts of participant responses involved double-coding by three team members, supporting rigorous evaluation of the data. All respondents who expressed interest in participating enrolled (no dropout from study enrollment to participation in focus groups).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study identified four key themes that illuminate challenges and essential adaptations for MBSR teacher training aimed at individuals serving historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. These themes include: (1) Cost and time commitment; (2) Trauma sensitivity; (3) Cultural Awareness; and (4) Diversity in teachers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Participants provided actionable recommendations poised to facilitate the expansion of MBSR into more diverse communities, emphasizing optimal benefits and effective communication of inherent healing strengths within these communities. The findings underscore the compelling interest among leaders in marginalized communities to extend the reach of MBSR through culturally responsive approaches. This involves guiding pertinent adjustments and encouraging greater involvement of underserved communities in MBSR teacher training programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":73159,"journal":{"name":"Global advances in integrative medicine and health","volume":"13 ","pages":"27536130241244744"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11017240/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140869345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Supporting Wellness, Resilience, and Community With Forest Therapy.","authors":"Susan A Abookire, Sujata G Ayala, Nancy A Shadick","doi":"10.1177/27536130241246503","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27536130241246503","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Physician burnout has reached epidemic proportions. Although burnout is rooted in systems, practices for physician wellbeing and community can address exhaustion, burnout, and isolation. Inspired by the Japanese practice <i>shinrin-yoku</i>, forest therapy/bathing (FT) is a nature immersion practice that improves wellbeing in a group setting.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This program offered guided FT experiences to frontline faculty physicians in the Department of Medicine and evaluated potential for impact on burnout, resilience, and community.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Faculty physicians were recruited via email invitations to a free Forest Therapy group experience in the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA. Participants completed pre-and post-course surveys and evaluated its value as a community experience. Surveys measured burnout, resilience, and qualitative feedback on the experience.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-seven faculty completed the baseline survey, twenty-three faculty participated, with 19 survey respondents. At baseline, 85% reported feeling burned out at least once a month. 46% reported feeling burned out more than a few times a month. 83% of participants responded that forest therapy could help them with the feeling of being burned out from work. Post-intervention, 100% of participants rated the experience as very or extremely valuable. 96% of participants reported they were interested in more frequent forest therapy sessions. 100% of participants would recommend this practice to other faculty. 70% of respondents reported the program could help them with burnout. Despite high baseline resilience, 94% of participants reported that forest therapy could help with stressful events and setbacks. Post-intervention, participants reported feeling relaxed, at peace, and calm.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This pilot demonstrates feasibility and acceptability for physicians of FT. Participants would consider recommending FT to their colleagues, and agreed that FT can help with wellbeing, and expressed enthusiasm for the community experience. This program may also be successfully incorporated into programs for leadership, teambuilding, and support after adverse events.</p>","PeriodicalId":73159,"journal":{"name":"Global advances in integrative medicine and health","volume":"13 ","pages":"27536130241246503"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11005489/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140861022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Measuring Patient-Reported Use and Outcomes From Complementary and Integrative Health Therapies: Development of the Complementary and Integrative Health Therapy Patient Experience Survey.","authors":"Stephanie L Taylor, A Rani Elwy, Barbara G Bokhour, Scott S Coggeshall, Amy Cohen, Claudia Der-Martirosian, Taona Haderlein, Jolie Haun, Benjamin Kligler, Alex T Kloehn, Karl A Lorenz, Briana Lott, Marlena H Shin, Tammy Schult, Joy Toyama, Alison M Whitehead, Xiaoyi Zhang, Steven B Zeliadt","doi":"10.1177/27536130241241259","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27536130241241259","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Assessing the use and effectiveness of complementary and integrative health (CIH) therapies via survey can be complicated given CIH therapies are used in various locations and formats, the dosing required to have an effect is unclear, the potential health and well-being outcomes are many, and describing CIH therapies can be challenging. Few surveys assessing CIH therapy use and effectiveness exist, and none sufficiently reflect these complexities.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>In a large-scale Veterans Health Administration (VA) quality improvement effort, we developed the \"Complementary and Integrative Health Therapy Patient Experience Survey\", a longitudinal, electronic patient self-administered survey to comprehensively assess CIH therapy use and outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We obtained guidance from the literature, subject matter experts, and Veteran patients who used CIH therapies in designing the survey. As a validity check, we completed cognitive testing and interviews with those patients. We conducted the survey (March 2021-April 2023), inviting 15,608 Veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain with a recent CIH appointment or referral identified in VA electronic medical records (EMR) to participate. As a second validity check, we compared VA EMR data and patient self-reports of CIH therapy utilization a month after survey initiation and again at survey conclusion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The 64-item, electronic survey assesses CIH dosing (amount and timing), delivery format and location, provider location, and payor. It also assesses 7 patient-reported outcomes (pain, global mental health, global physical health, depression, quality of life, stress, and meaning/purpose in life), and 3 potential mediators (perceived health competency, healthcare engagement, and self-efficacy for managing diseases). The survey took 17 minutes on average to complete and had a baseline response rate of 45.3%. We found high degrees of concordance between self-reported and EMR data for all therapies except meditation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Validly assessing patient-reported CIH therapy use and outcomes is complex, but possible.</p>","PeriodicalId":73159,"journal":{"name":"Global advances in integrative medicine and health","volume":"13 ","pages":"27536130241241259"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10998493/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140872496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and Implementation of a Culturally Informed Spanish Language Yoga Program for Latiné Women With Overweight or Obesity Diagnosed With Cancer: A Single Arm Pilot Study.","authors":"David Victorson, Judy Guitleman, Carly Maletich, Bruriah Horowitz, Christina Sauer, Cailin Arechiga, Diana Parra","doi":"10.1177/27536130241245432","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27536130241245432","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Given limited yoga research in health disparities populations, we developed and evaluated a 12-week Spanish language yoga program for Latiné women with overweight or obesity affected by cancer. The program aimed to empower participants through culturally tailored yoga practice and opportunities for social connection and support.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Partnering with a community-based organization, the program was co-created by bilingual (English and Spanish-speaking) yoga instructors, Latiné cancer survivor support professionals, and integrative medicine researchers. The single arm intervention consisted of 12 separate, 60-minute Hatha yoga classes, including physical postures, breathing exercises, culturally relevant poetry, and post-practice socialization opportunities. Measures were administered at baseline, 12-week, and 24-week.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-five eligible participants enrolled in the program, demonstrating high feasibility and relevance as well as high levels of engagement in home practice. Some participants faced barriers to regular home practice, including family responsibilities and concerns about proper pose execution. Preliminary outcome analyses indicated improvements in sleep disturbance, pain interference, depression, and blood pressure post-intervention, with sustained improvements in depression, anxiety, and blood pressure at 24-week. No significant changes were observed in fatigue, physical function, positive affect, satisfaction with social roles and activities, and weight. Structured post-practice social snack time with yoga instructors (compared with unstructured time with peers) was associated with self-reported improvements in satisfaction with social roles and activities and weight loss.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This yoga program successfully engaged female Latiné cancer survivors with overweight and obesity and serves as a foundational step in empowering this population to improve their health and well-being through culturally tailored yoga practice. Future research should utilize controlled study designs and engage participants from different geographical regions to study the efficacy and sustainability of findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":73159,"journal":{"name":"Global advances in integrative medicine and health","volume":"13 ","pages":"27536130241245432"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10981276/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140337862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cultivating Reciprocity Between People and Planet: Habit-Stacking Planetary Health Prescriptions Into Existing Nature RX Encounters During Integrative Health Visits.","authors":"David Victorson","doi":"10.1177/27536130241245429","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27536130241245429","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The reported benefits of nature contact on human health and well-being have prompted the rise of nature prescriptions with health professionals recommending nature exposure. Due to the success of nature prescriptions and calls for greater reciprocity between people and the planet, this essay proposes to leverage health behavior promotion strategies to integrate planetary health prescriptions (Earth RX) into existing nature prescription frameworks with a vision to counsel patients on both the health and well-being benefits of nature contact as well as earth-sustaining behaviors, all of which fosters a compassionate interdependence between personal and planetary well-being. The essay emphasizes the importance of co-designed stakeholder collaboration for program success, addressing factors such as trust, perceived benefits, and accessibility. Finally, this essay concludes that integrating Earth RX in nature prescription programs strategically aligns with the principles of integrative health, acknowledging the reciprocal relationship between human health and well-being and planetary well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":73159,"journal":{"name":"Global advances in integrative medicine and health","volume":"13 ","pages":"27536130241245429"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10979531/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140337861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Qualitative Assessment CIH Institutions' Engagement With Underserved Communities to Enhance Healthcare Access and Utilization.","authors":"Nipher Malika, Patricia M Herman, Margaret Whitley, Ian Coulter, Michele Maiers, Margaret Chesney, Rhianna Rogers","doi":"10.1177/27536130241244759","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27536130241244759","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In North America, there is a notable underutilization of complementary and integrative health approaches (CIH) among non-White and marginalized communities.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study sought to understand how CIH educational instutitions are proactively working to redress this disparity in access and utilization among these communities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted interviews with 26 key informants, including presidents, clinicians, and research deans across 13 CIH educational institutions across the US and Canada. Thematic analysis included deductive codes based on the interview guide during interview scripts review.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six themes were identified: (1) CIH institutions often had a long and varied history of community engaged care through partnerships to increase access and utilization; (2) CIH institutions' long-standing community outreach had been intentionally designed; (3) CIH institutions provided an array of services to a wide range of demographics and communities; (4) addressing healthcare access and utilization through community partnerships had a strong positive impact; (5) funding, staffing and COVID-19 were significant challenges that impeded efforts to increase CIH access through community engaged work; (6) identified gaps in community partnerships and services to increase access and utilization were recognized.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings underscore significant efforts made to enhance healthcare access and utilization among marginalized, underserved, and racial and ethnic communities. However, barriers such as funding constraints, resource allocation, and the need for proper measurement and accountability hinder proactive initiatives aimed at redressing disparities in CIH utilization within these communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":73159,"journal":{"name":"Global advances in integrative medicine and health","volume":"13 ","pages":"27536130241244759"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10966973/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140308193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Teleyoga for Patients With Alzheimer's Disease and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Their Caregivers: A Feasibility Study.","authors":"Santiago Allende, Louise Mahoney, Jasmin M Francisco, Korrine Fitz, Audrey Keaney, Kelly Parker-Bridges, Heidi Mahoney, Booil Jo, Jason Greenberg, Peter J Bayley","doi":"10.1177/27536130241240405","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27536130241240405","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic musculoskeletal pain is common in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and there is growing awareness that chronic pain has an impact on the progression of dementia. Yoga has shown promise in treating chronic pain. However, attending in-person yoga can be difficult for AD patients.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of an online yoga (teleyoga) protocol suitable for AD patients with chronic pain, and their caregivers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients with comorbid mild AD and chronic musculoskeletal pain (<i>n</i> = 15, 57-95 y/o; 73% Female) and their caregivers (<i>n</i> = 15, 50-75 y/o; 67% Female) received 12-week of teleyoga individually (<i>n</i> = 5 dyads) or in groups (<i>n</i> = 10 dyads). Study measures included standard feasibility metrics, and secondary outcomes included the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and cognitive function using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Caregivers also completed measures of caregiver burden, and quality of life (Short Form Health Survey-36, SF-36).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Feasibility measures showed adequate treatment adherence (85.1% in patients and 86.3% in caregivers), acceptability (mean acceptability rating = 3.0 for patients and 3.3 for caregivers, indicating positive approval), recruitment rate (<i>n</i> = 16 dyads within 1-year), retention rate (87%), missing data rate (.03%), and fidelity of treatment delivery (87%). Preliminary efficacy findings in the AD group showed significant reductions in pain severity (BPI-SF mean Δ = -.93, <i>P =</i> .045) and depression (BDI-II; mean Δ = -9.85, <i>P =</i> .005). %). Preliminary efficacy findings in the caregiver group showed significant reductions in depression (BDI-II mean Δ = -6.88, <i>P =</i> .036) and fatigue (SF-36 mean Δ = 9.81, <i>P =</i> .021).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Results show that teleyoga is a feasible treatment for patients with comorbid mild AD and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Results also provide preliminary evidence of health benefits of teleyoga for both AD patients and their caregivers.</p>","PeriodicalId":73159,"journal":{"name":"Global advances in integrative medicine and health","volume":"13 ","pages":"27536130241240405"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10966998/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140308194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Remote Delivery of Mindful Movement Within Healthcare Systems: Lessons Learned From the Veterans Health Administration.","authors":"Alison M Whitehead, Rashmi Mullur, Marlysa B Sullivan, Francesca M Nicosia","doi":"10.1177/27536130241235908","DOIUrl":"10.1177/27536130241235908","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mindful Movement approaches have been a growing part of the Veterans Health Administration (VA). Innovations in tele-health technology had been an important initiative before the public health emergency to meet the needs of rural veterans as well as challenges in getting to a physical location for care. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition to tele-delivery of many practices including mindful movement. This paper aims to share lessons learned from virtual delivery of mindful movement as part of clinical and well-being programs in VA. Benefits of virtual care discussed include the convenience and decreased travel burden; accessibility for adaptive movement options; translation to home practice; and shifting the emphasis to interoceptive skills-building supportive of self-efficacy for exploring and identifying safe movement. Important challenges are also identified such as technology related barriers; teachers trained to meet the need of offering adaptations for a heterogenous population and supporting interoceptive skill-building; and supporting both physical and psychological safety. Examples are provided of medical groups incorporating virtual mindful movement within programs for diabetes and pain care to further explore the potential benefit of these practices being integrated within the care itself, rather than as a separate practice. It is hoped that the lessons learned will provide support for Veterans and staff, and the wider health care community, in what they need to participate in virtual care that is high quality, accessible, and meets the needs for greater health and well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":73159,"journal":{"name":"Global advances in integrative medicine and health","volume":"13 ","pages":"27536130241235908"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10946065/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140159706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Supporting Personal Growth in Childhood, Adolescent and Young-Adult Cancer Survivors Through Challenges in Nature — A Qualitative Study of WAYA Wilderness Programme Participation","authors":"M. Jong, T. Stub, Miek C Jong","doi":"10.1177/27536130241238150","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/27536130241238150","url":null,"abstract":"Background Childhood, adolescent and young-adult (AYA) cancer survivors often experience health problems due to late or long-term effects of their cancer or the treatment thereof. The general population gains health benefits from immersion in nature, and nature-based programmes seem to be an intervention that can promote health among childhood and AYA cancer survivors. Objective To explore the impact of the WAYA wilderness programme on the health of childhood and AYA cancer survivors. Methods The study had a qualitative approach, with data from individual interviews (n = 18) 3 months after completion of the WAYA programme. In addition, case report data was collected during follow-up talks (1, 2 and 12 months after the programme) (n = 19). The WAYA programme consisted of an 8-day expedition, followed 3 months later by a 4-day base camp. The programme included activities such as hiking, backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, bushcraft and mindfulness. Data was analysed according to a qualitative content analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were followed. Results An overarching theme was identified: “Personal growth from challenges in nature supported by deep connections with others”. In 4 additional themes, participants’ experiences describe how deep personal connections arose, as they developed a feeling of being able and competent in nature. Nature provided a space that supported relaxation and respite from everyday challenges and stimuli, which also led to an experience of being more connected to nature. Conclusion The WAYA programme was experienced as being of support to childhood and AYA cancer survivors. The programme provided them with skills and tools to be safe in nature. When connected to nature, the participants developed trust and self-confidence, personal growth, relaxation and recovery from stress. Their engagement in outdoor activities continued after completion of the programme, when they returned to everyday life at home.","PeriodicalId":73159,"journal":{"name":"Global advances in integrative medicine and health","volume":"50 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140076779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}