The Impact of Mindful Compassion on Sexual Functioning and Quality of Life in Home Hospice Care

Plain-language summary

Sexual dysfunction is commonly reported post cancer treatments. Indeed, sexual wellbeing can be affected by diagnosis, medication and cancer treatments, which can damage body tissues such as the vagina owing to radiation therapy, or insufficient lubrication caused by chemotherapy. Additionally, feeling sore, exhausted, anxious, depressed and 'not in the mood' further contribute to changes in sexual desire Very few evidence based online interventions have been developed to address sexual difficulties post cancer treatments and in hospice at home care. This extends to well being and quality of life. Mindful compassion interventions has been based on a behavioural taxonomy to support the reliability of their delivery. Indeed, this study aims to identify and describe the key components and behaviour change techniques as part of the online intervention. These have been mapped to a behaviour change taxonomy with the view of supporting standardisation for future trial implementation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of an online mindful compassion intervention using the 3 system model of emotions among a post cancer treatment group in hospice care, at the end of life, to improve quality of life. The study intends to provide preliminary estimates of pre-post intervention on a waitlist controlled randomised controlled trial looking at well being, sexual function, mindfulness and self compassion. Quantitatively, the research is structured so that participants will be randomised to either the active experimental or delayed group. This intervention will be weekly for approximately 1 to 2 hours over 4 weeks. This A follow up at 12 weeks will be taken to determine the sustainability of this intervention. Feedback questions will also be given during the delivery of the intervention.

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