Feasibility of using Making Mindfulness Matter© for children with epilepsy and their parents: A pilot randomized controlled trial.
Karina N Tassiopoulos, Karen Bax, Klajdi Puka et al.
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In 30 seconds
This parallel, 1:1 pilot randomized controlled trial assessed whether an eight-week, live-online family mindfulness program could be delivered to children with epilepsy aged 4–10 years and their parents in Ontario, Canada. Families were assigned to Making Mindfulness Matter or a waitlist control, with feasibility evaluated through participation, attendance, delivery fidelity, adherence, and satisfaction. Of 298 dyads screened, 72 were randomized, a participation rate of 31%. The program was delivered with 80-100% of curriculum units completed; most families attended more than 75% of sessions and reported engagement and satisfaction.
Key findings
- Of 298 screened dyads, 72 were randomized; the participation rate was 31%.
- Session fidelity was high, with 80-100% of curriculum delivered.
- Most families attended more than 75% of sessions, practiced skills weekly, and were satisfied with the program.
- Time commitment was identified as a key barrier to recruitment and retention.
Why it matters
Children with epilepsy may face health-related quality-of-life challenges, and family context can shape coping. This trial suggests a community-based online mindfulness program can be delivered as intended and is acceptable to participating families. The feasibility findings provide a basis for further evaluation, while the recruitment and retention barrier highlights the practical importance of fitting family programs into participants’ schedules.
What to keep in mind
This was a pilot feasibility trial, and only 31% of screened dyads participated; time commitment also hindered recruitment and retention. The abstract does not report comparative clinical outcomes.