Experiences and perceived benefits of remotely delivered dance/movement therapy for adult cancer patients: A multi-method program evaluation Journal Article

   

Authors:	Bryl, K.; Whitley, J.; Lopez-Nieves, I.; Liou, K.; Chimonas, S.; Tortora, S.; Mao, J. J.
Article Title:	Experiences and perceived benefits of remotely delivered dance/movement therapy for adult cancer patients: A multi-method program evaluation
Abstract:	BackgroundDance/movement therapy (DMT) is increasingly used as a complementary treatment to address psychological and physical wellbeing. However, it is unknown how it can be leveraged in adult cancer care. This mixed methods program evaluation aimed to assess patient-reported benefits and satisfaction with the virtual DMT in an academic oncology setting.MethodsWe developed, implemented, and evaluated a 6-week virtual, synchronous DMT program aiming to improve physical health, address mental distress, and foster social connection for cancer patients. We used deidentified program evaluation data to assess impact of DMT on patient-reported outcomes and patients' satisfaction with the DMT program. Pre- and post-session data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a paired t-test. Qualitative data were captured through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsResults from 39 participants (mean age 64.7 +/- 9.8), majority female (89.7%) with a history of breast cancer (43.6%), showed high satisfaction (100%) and unanimous program recommendation (100%). Significant improvements were noted in anxiety (- 0.42 +/- 0.76, p = .009), distress (- 0.35 +/- 0.80, p = .036), and sense of joy (0.73 +/- 1.18, p = .004), with a non-significant trend in increased physical activity (0.38 +/- 0.98, p = .057). Thematic findings indicated that DMT participation (1) facilitated engagement in physical activity for improved physical health, (2) fostered creative expression, (3) improved mental state, and (4) helped build social connections and support.ConclusionOur DMT program shows promise as a component of integrative cancer care. The mixed-method evaluation provides insightful information to generate hypotheses for future RCT studies aiming to evaluate the specific effects of DMT on patient experience and outcomes.
Keywords:	stress; integrative medicine; yoga; health; loneliness; breast-cancer; randomized-trial; quality; benefits; patient-reported; dance/movement therapy; virtual dance/movement therapy; mixed methods program evaluation; integrative cancer care; dance movement therapy
Journal Title:	Supportive Care in Cancer
Volume:	32
ISSN:	0941-4355
Publisher:	Springer Verlag
Date Published:	2024-05-27
Start Page:	388
Language:	English
ACCESSION:	WOS:001233405800001
DOI:	10.1007/s00520-024-08591-3
PROVIDER:	wos
PUBMED:	38802666
PMCID:	PMC11234514
Notes:	Article -- MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) acknowledged in PDF -- MSK corresponding authors are Karolina Bryl and Jun J. Mao -- Source: Wos

https://synapse.mskcc.org/synapse/works/has_related_data_chk/216674