Effect of a single-session of mindfulness-based mountain meditation on the spiritual well-being of patients scheduled for cancer surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction

Cancer patients undergoing surgery have high levels of preoperative distress. Spiritual well-being (SWB) has a vital role in emotional well-being, happiness, optimism, and psychosocial adjustment related to cancer surgery. Mountain meditation (MM) is a mindfulness-based meditation, that fosters tranquility, stability, and inner strength to cope with the challenges of life. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a single session of MM on SWB in patients scheduled for cancer surgery.

Methodology

N=72 cancer patients will be randomly assigned to the intervention group (N=36) or control group (N=36). The intervention group will practice a single, supervised 10-minute session of guided MM immediately before their surgery, using guided audio instructions. The practice will involve visualizing the self as a mountain and embodying the unwavering stillness, strength, and groundedness of the mountain. The control group will receive standard medical care. FACIT-SP12 (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale) will be used to evaluate SWB at baseline and after a single session of MM. Objective measures of assessments will include blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate. Data will be analyzed, results will be interpreted and conclusions will be drawn.

Clinical implications

This study will explore the potential role of MM as a psycho-spiritual prehabilitation intervention in the surgical oncology setting. Integrating it into the conventional treatment protocol can provide patient-centered care specific to their unmet spiritual needs. MM can be an easily accessible, brief, safe, cost-effective, and novel approach to immediately reduce preoperative anxiety, improve preparedness for surgery, and potentially enhance surgical outcomes in cancer patients scheduled for surgery.