The impact of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on
patients seeking infertility treatment: A feasibility study
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effect of traditional Mindfulness-Based
Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in infertility patients. Design,
setting and population : A feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
(RCT) using an effectiveness-implementation type-II hybrid design was
conducted with patients seeking infertility consultation in Canada.
Methods: Participants were recruited at initial consultation and block
randomized into standard treatment or a virtual Mindfulness Based Stress
Reduction (MBSR) course. Main outcome measures: MBSR program
completion rate and the effect of MBSR program on mental health and QOL
measures Results: Of 155 patients that met inclusion criteria, 45
completed the intake survey, 34 met study criteria, 24 proceeded with
randomization. Among those randomized to the MBSR group, 73% started
the course and 64% completed >50% of the program. Of
participants randomized into the MBSR arm, 82%, 45%, and 27%
completed the first, second, and third survey, respectively. This
compared to 77%, 69%, and 69% in the control group. Secondary
outcomes, measuring mental health and QOL outcomes, pregnancy rates, and
initiation of treatment, showed no significant differences.
Conclusion: We identified challenges implementing intensive
mindfulness interventions in this population and how these may be
addressed in future studies. A large-scale RCT is required to evaluate
the impact of MBSR on pursuing fertility treatment and mental health
outcomes.