Implementation of Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Tailored for People with Multiple Sclerosis
This project is exploring an online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course specifically for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The main goal is to introduce this course in a large MS clinic and see how well it works. Researchers will carefully improve the course based on feedback from participants. If you join, you'll take part in an 8-week online MBSR course. You'll then be asked to share how your anxiety, depression, quality of life, and other feelings have changed. This study wants to understand if MBSR can offer a helpful way for people with MS to manage their well-being.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is about an online course called Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, or MBSR, designed for people who have Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Mindfulness is a way of focusing on the present moment, which can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. This particular MBSR course is being developed and tested to see if it makes a real difference for people with MS.
The main idea is to bring this online course to a large specialist clinic that cares for people with MS. The researchers want to roll out the course and then listen carefully to people who take part. This feedback will help them make the course even better and ensure it meets the needs of people with MS in a practical way.
By taking part, you would do an 8-week online MBSR course. Throughout and afterwards, you would be asked to share information about how you're feeling. This includes things like your levels of anxiety, depression, how you feel about your quality of life, how you manage your emotions, feelings of self-compassion, and your use of health services. This will help the researchers understand if the course helps people with MS feel better and manage their condition more effectively.
Key takeaways
- Study explores an 8-week online mindfulness course for people with MS.
- Aims to check if it reduces stress, anxiety, and improves quality of life.
- Participation involves taking the course and completing questionnaires.
- It's for adults 18-60 with MS who can understand English.
- Designed to complement, not replace, your existing MS treatment.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 60 years old. You must have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis or a related condition, such as Clinically Isolated Syndrome, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder, or Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Neuropathy. It's also important that you can easily understand spoken and written English and are willing to take part in the MBSR course.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. If you have significant problems with your memory or thinking skills (measured as less than 26 on a specific test called the Montreal Cognitive Assessment), this study might not be suitable. Similarly, if you have severe active mental health issues, such as psychosis or thoughts of self-harm, you would not be able to participate.
Finally, if you have another serious or life-threatening illness that affects your overall health and stability, this study would not be appropriate for you. The researchers want to make sure the study is safe and helpful for everyone involved.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosis of MS or a related condition like CIS or NMO?
- Can you easily understand spoken and written English?
- Are you willing to commit to an 8-week online mindfulness course?
- Do you feel generally mentally stable with no severe active mental health issues?
- Do you not have a severe illness that affects your overall health?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will join an 8-week online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. This will involve participating in online sessions, likely at regular times each week, and possibly doing some mindfulness practices at home.
Throughout the study, you'll be asked to complete questionnaires or assessments. These will help the researchers understand how your anxiety, depression, quality of life, emotional regulation, self-compassion, and mindfulness might change over time. You might also be asked about your use of health services. The total duration of your active participation will be for the 8 weeks of the course, plus any follow-up assessments afterwards.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- St. Michael's HospitalVerified postcodeToronto, Canada
Common questions
What is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?
MBSR is a course designed to teach you mindfulness techniques, which help you focus on the present moment to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
How long will the study last if I join?
The main part of your involvement will be taking an 8-week online MBSR course, plus completing some questionnaires before and after.
Do I need to have experience with mindfulness?
No, you don't need any previous experience. The course is designed to teach you the practices from the beginning.
Will this course replace my current MS treatment?
No, this course is designed to complement your existing medical care, not replace it. Always discuss any changes to your treatment with your doctor.
Is the course online or in person?
This particular course is entirely online, making it accessible from your home.
How to find out more
Robert Simpson
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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