Testing the Effect of Mindfulness for Prostatectomy Outcomes

In part 1 of this research, researchers developed a couples-based group mindfulness intervention for men undergoing prostatectomy, with input from patients and their partners. Three patients who had previously undergone prostatectomy, and had expressed interest in participating in future research endeavors, and their partners were recruited to inform the design of the intervention. This group of six stakeholders identified the types of distress experienced by newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients and their partners, as well as their favored intervention approaches. These stakeholders do participate in the intervention or control groups in part 2 of this study.

Researchers used thematic analysis to assess the type of distress identified by stakeholders as well as approaches favored by them. They mapped these themes on the available mindfulness approaches, identified in their review, to develop an intervention that best captures the concerns of prostate cancer survivors and partners.

Part 2 is the pilot study. Researchers will enroll 20 more couples (men who are planning to undergo radical prostatectomy and their partners) to participate in a pilot study of the intervention. The pilot study will have 2 cohorts (groups). Half of the couples will be randomly assigned to the mindfulness intervention (intervention group) and the other half will receive the usual care (control group). All participants in the intervention and control groups in part 2 of the study will be analyzed to determine the effects and feasibility of the intervention.