Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial Exploring Implementation of the Compassionate Mindful rEsilience pRogram for People With pUlmonaRY Fibrosis: The MERcURY Study

Overview

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic lung condition in which scar tissue gradually forms, impairing oxygen transfer and causing breathlessness. Individuals with PF frequently experience anxiety and depression, yet supportive care remains underdeveloped, and few evidence-based psychological interventions exist for this population, representing a critical gap in care. This feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the Compassionate Mindful Resilience (CMR) programme, a 4-week online, nurse-led mindfulness-based intervention designed to improve psychological outcomes in people living with PF.

Background: Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive, irreversible fibrotic lung disease that requires long-term treatment. People with a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis are known to have reduced health-related quality of life, furthermore, it is common for such individuals to experience anxiety and depression. Therefore, interventions to support these individuals are essential to improve their psychological health. Mindfulness is increasing in popularity but retention in these programmes can be challenging. Condensed programmes have great potential but require statistical and individual evaluation. The Compassionate Mindful Resilience Program is a 4-week course that teaches simple, effective, evidence-based practices, skills and techniques. Methods: This study aims to establish the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the Compassionate Mindful Resilience Program in improving the psychosocial well-being of people with a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis. The trial will be conducted to test procedures, outcomes and validated tools; estimate recruitment and attrition rates; and calculate the sample size required for a future definitive multi-centre randomised controlled trial. The study will also utilise qualitative methods to explore the acceptability of the intervention to the study population. In keeping with CONSORT guidelines. The SPIRIT guidelines and checklist will be utilised to report the study. Discussion: This study will implement a four-week mindfulness intervention and its utility for people with Pulmonary Fibrosis. The investigators aim to increase equitable access to evidence-based mindfulness practices with the potential to improve the lives of people impacted by this condition. If the study demonstrates the practicability of delivering the online 4-week Compassionate Mindful Resilience program with adequate recruitment, the investigators will be able to determine the feasibility of progression to a randomised controlled clinical trial to increase equitable access to evidence-based mindfulness practices with the potential to improve the lives of people impacted by Pulmonary Fibrosis.