Mindfulness-based interventions for pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients receiving palliative care: a meta-analysis.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Palliative care addresses not only physical symptoms but also emotional and spiritual suffering in patients with advanced disease. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may help alleviate symptoms and enhance quality of life. Previous reviews have explored MBIs' efficacy, but evidence remains inconclusive.<h4>Objective</h4>To systematically evaluate the effects of MBIs on pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients receiving palliative care.<h4>Methods</h4>Six databases and grey literature were searched from databases inception to 22 May 2025. Outcomes included pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Meta-analyses with forest plots estimated pooled standardised mean differences (SMDs). Egger's test assessed publication bias, and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis evaluated result stability.<h4>Results</h4>Thirteen trials were included. MBIs significantly reduced anxiety (SMD = -0.68, 95% CI = -1.15 to -0.21, <i>I</i> ² = 65.37%, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and depression (SMD = -0.43, 95% CI = -0.68 to -0.18, <i>I</i> ² = 0.00%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Effects on pain and quality of life were less clear, with insufficient evidence to confirm significant benefit.<h4>Conclusions</h4>MBIs appear to alleviate anxiety and depression in palliative care patients, highlighting their potential as supportive interventions. Further research is warranted to clarify effects on pain and quality of life.