Costs and Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy versus Standard Breast Cancer Support Group for Women with Cancer.

Background: The results of several studies have demonstrated that women and men with a cancer diagnosis benefit from interventions to reduce distress and improve quality of life (QOL). However, little is known about the costs and effectiveness of such interventions. Identifying a stress-reduction program that is low cost and effective is important for payers, employers, and healthcare professionals, as well as for patients with cancer.

Changes in cerebral blood flow and anxiety associated with an 8-week mindfulness programme in women with breast cancer.

This study employed functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) associated with the Mindfulness-based Art Therapy (MBAT) programme and correlate such changes to stress and anxiety in women with breast cancer. Eighteen breast cancer patients were randomized to the MBAT or education control group. The patients received the diagnosis of breast cancer between 6 months and 3 years prior to enrollment and were not in active treatment.

Population-based worksite obesity management interventions: a qualitative case study.

Due to the increased prevalence of obesity and associated direct and indirect costs to employers, weight management programs have become an integral component of employer and insurer benefits plans. The programs vary in foci, scope, breadth, and implementation. The aim of this study was to explore promising employer-sponsored population-based obesity management programs.

Is disease management right for oncology?

The disease management (DM) model for the treatment of chronic conditions has been around for many years and has been found to be effective for diseases of high prevalence and high cost (eg, diabetes, asthma, heart disease). With an increasing number of people living with cancer and the continual escalation of treatment costs, DM vendors have begun to implement DM concepts into cancer care. However, the multitude of cancer types, treatment options, and adverse effects have all presented barriers to oncology DM, and data reflecting the effectiveness of oncology DM have remained scarce.