Issues of mindfulness implementation for oncology caregivers.

OBJECTIVES

Burn out is high in oncology. We aim to evaluate the feasibility and identify the barriers for mindfulness implementation in oncology professionals.

METHODS

We conducted a pilot study in which voluntary oncology caregivers entered mindfulness workshops, and complete online questionnaires. We also conducted a qualitative study to better identify the practical reasons which hamper the implementation of mindfulness in oncology caregivers having refused to participate.

RESULTS

83.3% of volunteers for the workshops were women, 60.00% (16/30) of caregivers completed the program. Caregivers' resistances to mindfulness practice were: a lack of availability and information, complex organisation with limited free time, and accept spending time to take care of themselves.

CONCLUSIONS

This work highlights the interest of mindfulness for caregivers in oncology, we have identified specific issues hindering the implementation of such technique which can be further investigated.