Integrating Mindfulness Into the Patient-Centered Medical Home (Phase 2)

MINDFUL-PC: Integrating Mindfulness Into the Patient-Centered Medical Home - A Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Chronic Illness Self-Management and Action Plan Initiation Among Primary Care Patients

Among primary care patients, compare the effectiveness of an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention (Mindfulness Training for Primary Care[MTPC]) vs. a low-dose mindfulness introduction comparator on self-management of chronic illness and illness-related health behavior action plan initiation, as well as on measures related to anxiety, depression, and stress.

This study builds on a pilot study that investigated the impact of Mindfulness Training for Primary Care on anxiety, depression, stress, and chronic illness self-management in primary care patients receiving care in an urban, community, multi-cultural safety net healthcare system. The current comparative effectiveness randomized controlled trial takes place in a larger sample, and investigates the impact of a refined MTPC curriculum on specific aspects of self-regulation such as action plan initiation, while examining potential mechanisms of change, including self-efficacy, perceived control, mindfulness, self-compassion, emotion regulation, and body awareness. Participants randomized to MTPC are compared with participants who are randomized to a low-dose comparator condition and receive a 1-hour introduction to mindfulness with a referral to community mindfulness resources. Outcome assessments are conducted at baseline and study weeks 8-10.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Current CHA patient with an enrolled CHA primary care doctor.
• CHA patients 18 years of age and older.
• Able to tolerate and participate in interviews and engage in all procedures.
• Able to give written consent in English OR willing and able to provide consent and complete assessments through a professional language translator when necessary.
• Diagnosis eligible to be covered by insurance for group visits (e.g., anxiety disorder, depression, or adjustment disorder related to chronic illness, pain, etc.).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any cognitive impairment that precludes informed consent.
• Patients who, in the opinion of the Principal Investigator, pose an imminent risk of suicide or danger to self or others.
• Likelihood of potential incarceration such as a conviction or pending charges that may potentially result in imprisonment.
• Previous enrollment or randomization of treatment in the present study within the 12 months.
• Behaviors that may cause disruption to a mindfulness group.
• Patients with symptoms of psychosis, thought disorder, and/or severe mental illness, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar disorder, or a current severe episode of major depressive disorder.
• Lack of insurance coverage for group psychotherapy may preclude participation in groups.
• Patients in their third trimester of pregnancy who foresee conflicts that preclude their commitment to completing all activities.
• Patients with highly unstable medical problems that put them at a high risk of hospitalization.