Recommendations for adapting an online mindfulness program for people living with spinal cord injury: results from a pilot online survey with an integrated knowledge translation approach

To determine the implementation considerations for an online mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) tailored to individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and determine whether the identified preferences vary by demographic and clinical characteristics.
This study was a cross-sectional, online survey using an integrated knowledge translation (iKT) approach. Adults with SCI across Canada and the United States participated in this study. Participants stated their preferences and importance of different aspects of the program (e.g. delivery format, session structure). The survey content was informed by an earlier qualitative study and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) framework.
361 adults with SCI (225 males, mean age 36 (SD 8.61)) completed the survey. Prerecorded webinars were the most preferred format for an online MBI. The preferred duration and frequency of the program were 6–8 weeks and 2 sessions per week, respectively. The preferred session length was 30–45 min. Participants preferred having the program be introduced during inpatient SCI rehabilitation.
This study identified the preferred adaptations for an online MBI for individuals with SCI in Canada and the United States. Survey results will inform the development and implementation of a tailored online MBI that is relevant and meaningful to individuals with SCI.

Online MBIs may reduce psychological distress and improve symptom burden that individuals with SCI commonly experience post-injury.
Introducing online MBIs during inpatient SCI rehabilitation could provide better support for individuals with SCI post-injury.
Tailoring online MBIs based on the insights of this study, which are rooted in the experiences of individuals with SCI can increase the clinical utility of mindfulness in this population.

Online MBIs may reduce psychological distress and improve symptom burden that individuals with SCI commonly experience post-injury.
Introducing online MBIs during inpatient SCI rehabilitation could provide better support for individuals with SCI post-injury.
Tailoring online MBIs based on the insights of this study, which are rooted in the experiences of individuals with SCI can increase the clinical utility of mindfulness in this population.