The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Breathing on Strain, Burden, and Burnout in Family Caregivers of Palliative Care Patients

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of online mindfulness-based breathing therapy combined with music on the levels of perceived strain, caregiver burden and burnout in caregivers of palliative care patients. This was a prospective, single-blind, randomized-controlled study. A total of 100 caregivers were randomly assigned to the intervention group ( n = 50) and the control group ( n = 50). Participants in the intervention group agreed to 3 sessions of mindfulness-based breathing therapy per week. Participants in the control group agreed to sit in a comfortable position in a quiet environment for 30 minutes for 3 consecutive days. We found statistical differences in groups in strain ( P < .001), burden ( P = .015) and burnout ( P = .039) when comparing intervention and control groups. Mindfulness-based breathing therapy combined with music is a non-pharmacological approach that may reduce perceived strain, caregiver burden and burnout in caregivers.