Couple-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Developing a Couple-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Qualitative Phase

The overall objective of this study is to develop a novel couple-based mindfulness intervention aimed at reducing distress in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and their partners.

The overall objective of this study is to develop a novel couple-based mindfulness intervention aimed at reducing distress in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and their partners. The intervention is named "MIND-Together" (Mindfully Navigating Distress Together). MIND-Together will be the first mindfulness-based intervention designed to reduce mCRC couples' distress by targeting their unique psychosocial needs. The intervention is projected to be a 4-session intervention delivered by a trained therapist to individual couples facing mCRC (i.e., a patient and his/her intimate partner) via video-conference (e.g., Zoom).

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

• Provision to sign and date the consent form.
• Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study.
• Be aged > 18 years.
• Fluent in English language
• Be a person (i.e., patient) diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), a partner (e.g., spouse) of someone diagnosed with mCRC, or a clinician who treats patients diagnosed with mCRC.

Additional patient participant inclusion criteria:

• Has a current diagnosis of metastatic (Stage IV, recurrent) colorectal cancer
• Has an ECOG status <2 or otherwise deemed appropriate for study participation by a clinician
• Is in a committed relationship with a romantic partner for >6 months
• Has access to computer/internet through with video-conferencing (phone, laptop, tablet, desktop computer)
• Indicates a score >0 on the Distress Thermometer

Additional partner participant inclusion criteria:

• Has been in a committed relationship >6 months with a patient who meets the above eligibility criteria
• Has access to computer/internet through with video-conferencing (phone, laptop, tablet, desktop computer)
• Indicates a score >0 on the Distress Thermometer

Additional clinician participant inclusion criteria:

∙Is a physician or advanced practice clinician (e.g., oncologist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, psychologist, mental health provider, etc.)

Exclusion Criteria:

∙Has a serious mental illness (e.g., psychotic disorder), cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia), or medical condition (e.g., significant impaired sight/hearing) that would compromise participation