Article Being Reviewed: EL_Article_Being_Reviewed

1. Provide the citation and attach a pdf of the article (10 pts) Pro Tip: You can use ZotZero, but check the output against theAPA Style online guidelines. 

Sesel, A. Sharpel, L. Beadnall, H. Barnett, M. Szabo, M. Naismith, S. (2021). Development of a Web-Based Mindfulness Program for People With Multiple Sclerosis: Qualitative Co-Design Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, Vol. 23 (iss. 3), 1-13. https://www.jmir.org/2021/3/e19309/PDF

What is the abstract of the article?  (10 pts)  Tips: This is usually a 200 word or less article summary. The abstract is your only cut and paste answer.

“Background: Mindfulness-based stress reduction is an efficacious treatment for people with chronic health problems; however, it is highly intensive and time-consuming, which is a barrier for service provision.

Objective: This study aims to develop an internet-delivered adapted version of mindfulness-based stress reduction for people with multiple sclerosis to make the intervention more accessible.

Methods: We co-designed a web-based mindfulness program with end users, that is, people with multiple sclerosis (N=19). Iterative feedback was also collected from a subsample of the initial group of end users (n=11), and the program was reviewed by experts (n=8).
Results: We identified three main themes common to people with multiple sclerosis: dealing with uncertainty and fears for the future, grief and loss, and social isolation. These themes were incorporated into narratives throughout the program. People with multiple sclerosis who reviewed the program gave feedback that the program was relatable, feasible, and acceptable. Experts agreed that the program appropriately represented the main tenets of mindfulness. Iterative feedback was used to further refine the program.

Conclusions: The web-based mindfulness program that we developed was viewed positively by both experts and end users. The program reflects common concerns for people with multiple sclerosis and has the potential to meet important unmet psychological needs. A randomized controlled trial was planned to determine the efficacy of the program.” (Sesel et al, 2021, p.1).

 

 

2. Was the study experimental or non-experimental? Explain, tell us what made that clear.  (10 pts)

The study was an experiment that was highly organized, analyzed and developed as it was being done. This is because the experiment was a qualitative design called Consensual Qualitative Research. This was made clear because the use of feedback from participants was analyzed, themes were developed, and experts gave feedback throughout to refine the process as it went along. This what happens in a CQR.

3. Was the research qualitative or quantitative? Again, explain. (10 pts)

This was a qualitative design, the article mentions “The aim of this study is to develop a web-based mindfulness program tailored specifically for people with multiple sclerosis via a qualitative investigation of (1) the psychological experiences and unmet needs of people with multiple sclerosis, (2) attitudes towards a proposed web-based mindfulness program designed to address such needs, and (3) iterative feedback from people with multiple sclerosis an experts in the field” (Sesel et al, 2021, p.2).

 

However, the proof of the experiment is in the organization of feedback the researchers used. They used verbal responses, written down, and then categorized. They article points out themes, such as grief, isolation, etc that impacted those being questioned. They also got feedback on the web-based program.

4. What was the population studied? Why do you say that? (5 pts)

The population studied was MS patients, because of those who participated, they were all diagnosed with MS. The overall group being studied was MS patients, since that’s who the treatment was meant to target. All research was focused and centered around this diagnosis. (Sesel et al, 2021, p. 3).

5. What sample was used for this study? Explain. (5 pts)

The article mentions demographics. “All participants had a neurologist-confirmed diagnosis of MS (N=19). There were 6 males and 13 females. A total of 63% (12/19) of participants had clinically significant depressive symptoms according to a cut-off score of 16 on the CES-D”. (Sesel et al, 2021, p. 3). This would be the sample size, and they were those suffering from MS and had severe depressive symptoms, who were willing the participate. They obtained the information on their depressive symptoms by administrating questionnaires, using measures of depression, anxiety, and pain. (Sesel et al, 2021, p.2).

 

6. What was the method of measurement? (10 pts)

There were 5 modules, each module was given a week (so module 1 would be delivered on week 1, and module 2 on week 2). The results were analyzed by a group of experts (physicians, psychologists, and mindfulness experts), they wrote written feedback on the program, and then feedback was coded and analyzed. (Sesel et al, 2021). This sounds a lot like a consensual qualitative research design.

• If the research was quantitative, was the measurement scale used, Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, or Ratio?
• If the research was qualitative, what data was collected?

The data collected was in the form of feedback from participants on their thoughts about the program, and how they were feeling.

7. What was the method of analysis? (10 pts)
   • If the research was quantitative, what statistical tools were used to analyze the data?
   • If the research was qualitative, in what manner was the data analyzed?

The web-based program was used, and then researchers collected feedback from the participants. This feedback was written down, and categorized, and then analyzed for themes. These themes are such as “uncertainty is unsurprising”, “grief and loss”, “social isolation”, then the researchers used these responses to develop a web-based intervention to help them. (Sesel et al, 2021).

 

8. What was the conclusion of the study? (10 pts)

The researchers developed a web-based approach to solving the issues outlined in the themes, which were derived from qualitative research. The participants were in favor of the program, and the outcomes it provided. The aim of the process was to develop treatment for these conditions, and while that was done, research will have to be continued to see its long term impact.

9. Why is this study useful to you? Explain in detail. (10 pts)

This study is useful to me because my mother is sick with a very similar disease to MS, so it’s personal to my life. I’m also interested in psychology, and web development. Combining these into a form of treatment for those suffering from MS is a great thing that I support. As a person, I find it a great use of technology to provide treatment for patients that may go overlooked in society. I also find it inspirational to use our web development tools outside of the box for these types of methods.

 

10. What would be the next logical step in extending this study? (10 pts)

The next logical step in extending this study would be to come back to those who have used the web-based treatment and gain more insight into how it has impacted their lives in the future. Does it work? Should it be tweaked? Are there other factors impacting this treatment?

 

Source

Sesel, A. Sharpel, L. Beadnall, H. Barnett, M. Szabo, M. Naismith, S. (2021). Development of a Web-Based Mindfulness Program for People With Multiple Sclerosis: Qualitative Co-Design Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, Vol. 23 (iss. 3), 1-13. Retrieved From https://www.jmir.org/2021/3/e19309/PDF