Mindfulness based stress reduction program in teenage patients with a cardiac implanted electronic device

Background: Increased psychosocial stress and decreased quality of life (QOL) are commonly seen in adolescents with cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIEDs). Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) interventions have been shown to decrease psychosocial stress and improve QOL in cardiovascular patients. Objective: This pilot study assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of an MBSR-teen (MBSR-T) program in adolescents with CIEDs. Methods: Patients aged 14–21 with CIEDs for >1 month enrolled and completed an 8-week MBSR-T course. The program was implemented in two formats: an in-person program for the first cohort of participants and a virtual program for the second cohort. Participants completed pre and post-program surveys: Peds Quality of Life Short Form (PedsQL 4.0 SF), Florida Patient Acceptance Survey (FPAS), and a post-program qualitative survey. Results: Twelve patients (10 with pacemakers, 2 with ICDs, 8 in-person, 4 virtual) completed the course, with a mean age of 16 ± 2 years. Following the intervention, patients reported significantly greater acceptance of their cardiac implantable devices (t(11) = −2.67, p = 0.022). Although not statistically significant, patients reported clinically relevant decreased depression (mean change [MΔ] = −0.75), increased emotional functioning (MΔ = 1.17), and increased social functioning (MΔ = 0.50). Post-program qualitative survey results showed that all participants (100 %) found the program useful and appropriate in both duration and setting, with 9 participants (75 %) recommending it to other teenagers with CIEDs. Conclusion: In-person and virtual MBSR-T programs were feasible and demonstrated decreased device-related distress and improved device acceptance in children with CIEDs.