The impact of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on patients seeking infertility treatment: A feasibility study

Objective: To investigate the effect of traditional Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in infertility patients. Design, setting and population : A feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) using an effectiveness-implementation type-II hybrid design was conducted with patients seeking infertility consultation in Canada. Methods: Participants were recruited at initial consultation and block randomized into standard treatment or a virtual Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. Main outcome measures: MBSR program completion rate and the effect of MBSR program on mental health and QOL measures Results: Of 155 patients that met inclusion criteria, 45 completed the intake survey, 34 met study criteria, 24 proceeded with randomization. Among those randomized to the MBSR group, 73% started the course and 64% completed >50% of the program. Of participants randomized into the MBSR arm, 82%, 45%, and 27% completed the first, second, and third survey, respectively. This compared to 77%, 69%, and 69% in the control group. Secondary outcomes, measuring mental health and QOL outcomes, pregnancy rates, and initiation of treatment, showed no significant differences. Conclusion: We identified challenges implementing intensive mindfulness interventions in this population and how these may be addressed in future studies. A large-scale RCT is required to evaluate the impact of MBSR on pursuing fertility treatment and mental health outcomes.