Effects of a Mindfulness-based Intervention in Stress, Pain and Quality of Life in People Undergoing Hemodialysis

A mindfulness-based intervention will be developed for chronic hemodialysis patients to be performed during hemotherapy sessions. This is an integrative mind-body program, which is based on the MBRP (Bowen et al., 2014) and BMT (T. Russell, 2015) protocols. The program will be conducted in eight weeks, with a weekly individual session of up to 60 minutes facilitated by an instructor, at the bedside during the HD session. The program aims to develop awareness of bodily sensations, emotions and thoughts, with an attitude of openness, curiosity, kindness and non-judgment. During the sessions will be worked four main techniques of mindfulness meditation: mindfulness in breathing, body scanning, conscious movements and practice of compassion. Participants are invited and encouraged to practice Mindfulness using audios made available during the other HD sessions they undergo during the week, in addition to daily home practice.