A Telemedicine Brief Mindfulness Intervention in Post-COVID-19

Application of a Telemedicine Brief Mindfulness Intervention in Post-COVID-19: a Pilot Randomized and Controlled Trial

Background: Several studies suggest that SARS survivors still presented with high levels of psychological distress overall at 1, 3, 12, and 18 months after hospital discharge. Nonetheless, there are no data available in the literature regarding the implementation of interventions that are psychological interventions, let alone specific ones. In particular, the practice of mindfulness, formalized in the protocols such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), have proved to be very effective in reducing stress related to chronic conditions and of depression. However, these protocols typically require a high level of engagement for participants, which is why, in the present exploratory study, the investigators opted to evaluate the implementation of a Mindfulness-based protocol that is short and less intense, but which has shown good results on health-related outcomes, even with a single session.

Objectives: In this perspective, it becomes important to detect the presence of psychological distress in those who have contracted COVID-19 and are now undertaking a rehabilitation program, from the perspective of promoting well-being and prevention of possible aggravation if not prolongation of mental suffering in the long term.

Study Design: Randomized and Controlled (RCT), two-arm pilot study with three data captures (baseline=T0, 3 weeks=T1, 3 months=T2).

Participants: People who have previously tested positive for COVID-19, now negative and hospitalized at the IRCCS Santa Maria Nascente of the Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi in Milan.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Previously positive for COVID-19 and now negative and undergoing treatment Pulmonary rehabilitation;
• Compatibility to participate in the study as judged by the physician;
• Able to provide Informed Consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• The physician's unfavorable opinion of inclusion in the study because he or she is unable to provide Informed Consent;
• Patients with lung cancer;
• Documented psychiatric disorders;
• Immunodepression;
• Patients with terminal or neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., other forms of cancer, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)).