Virtual Mind-Body Programming for Patients with Cancer During COVID-19: A Qualitative Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Patients with cancer are particularly vulnerable to stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing is critical for patients with cancer, yet this can also reduce access to psychosocial coping resources. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore patient experiences to generate a model of how virtual mind-body programs can support the psychosocial well-being of patients with cancer. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study among patients (ages ≥18) who participated in a virtual mind-body program offered by a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center during COVID-19. The program consisted of mind-body group therapy sessions in fitness, yoga, tai chi, dance therapy, music therapy, and meditation. Live integrative medicine clinicians held each session via Zoom video conferencing for 30 to 45 minutes. In semi-structured phone interviews (n=30), patients were asked about overall impressions and perceptions of the session's benefit, including impacts on stress and anxiety. Interviews were analyzed using grounded theory. RESULTS Among participants [n=30, age 64.5 range 40-80, 96.7% female], three major themes were identified relating to experiences in the virtual mind-body program: (1) Sessions helped in maintaining structured routines, and motivating patients to adhere to healthy behaviors; (2) sessions enhanced coping with COVID-19-related stressors allowing patients to "refocus" and "re-energize"; (3) sessions allowed patients to connect, fostering social relationships during a time of isolation. These themes informed the constructs of a novel Behavioral-Psychological-Social Coping model for patients with cancer. CONCLUSIONS Virtual Mind-Body programming supported cancer patients during COVID-19 through a Behavioral-Psychological-Social Coping model, by enhancing phycological coping for external stressors, supporting adherence to motivation and health behaviors, and increasing social connection and camaraderie. These programs have potential to address the behavioral, psychological, and social challenges faced by patients with cancer during and beyond COVID-19. The constructs of the conceptual model proposed in this study can inform future interventions to support isolated cancer patients. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the specific benefit of virtual mind-body programming for cancer patients' psychosocial well-being and healthy behaviors. CLINICALTRIAL