An investigation into the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for informal carers

Section A

Section A presents a systematic literature review and meta-analysis exploring the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for psychological well-being in informal carers. Searches yielded 24 controlled trials and quality was appraised using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool. Results suggested that stress and depression were significantly reduced at post-intervention, compared to control, with small to large between-group effect sizes. These effects were also maintained at follow-up, with small to large effect sizes. There was also evidence for a reduction in anxiety at post-intervention and improvement in mental health-related quality of life at follow-up. All studies were quality rated ‘weak’ or ‘moderate’. The implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

Section B

Section B presents a feasibility randomised controlled trial exploring the acceptability of online adapted Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for parents and carers of children with food allergy (MBCT-PCCFA), providing a signal of efficacy. Forty-six participants were randomised into either the MBCT-PCCFA intervention arm or treatment-as-usual (TAU) control arm. The recruitment, response, and attrition rates suggested that undertaking an RCT with this population and intervention was feasible. The high overall session attendance, low-dropout rate, engagement with at-home practice, and qualitative feedback, suggested that MBCT-PCCFA is acceptable. Effect size estimates suggested a full scale RCT is worth undertaking and recommendations for this are provided. The implications for clinical practice are also discussed.