[24] Given the similar improvements to psychological measures when compared to standard MBSR program outcomes, modified interventions may not be an inferior approach to increasing mindfulness practices among participants.
Mindfulness-based interventions may be optimized to enhance pre-existing practitioner strengths and address specific stress-management needs. Among cancer patients, a benefit was observed after an MBSR program incorporated a shortened length of meditation assignments, reduced frequency of group meetings, and adjustments of the physical movements taught (e.g., yoga poses). Similar modifications have been considered for other cancer patient samples, including changing the usual mindful (raisin) eating exercise to utilize a liquid for those who have trouble eating or swallowing, omitting the day-long silent retreat if thought to be too taxing or inappropriate for the population, adjusting physical movements to account for any injury or pain that may be present, and employing an individual (versus group) format to better incorporate session scheduling with medical appointments. [24] Given the similar improvements to psychological measures when compared to standard MBSR program outcomes, modified interventions may not be an inferior approach to increasing mindfulness practices among participants. These strategies may be advantageous with regard to implementation and utilization by practitioners who are experiencing busy daily activities and have limited flexibility to facilitate adding a new routine to their daily lives.