Mindfulness: A New Paradigm of Psychosocial Care in the Palliative Care Setting in Southeast Asia.
- Author:
Seng Beng TAN
1
;
David Paul CAPELLE
;
Nor Zuraida ZAINAL
;
Ee Jane LIM
;
Ee Chin LOH
;
Chee Loong LAM
Author Information
1. Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
2017;46(9):339-346
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Alleviation of suffering in palliative care needs a combination of good symptom control and psychosocial care. The capacity of mindfulness to promote psychological flexibility opens up possibilities of creating a paradigm shift that can potentially change the landscape of psychosocial care. In this review, we attempt to introduce 4 methods to establish mindfulness based on 'The Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness', a core text of Theravada Buddhism, followed by a brief comparison of the concepts and practices of mindfulness in different cultures and religions in Southeast Asia. Next, 2 mindfulness-based interventions specifically designed for palliative psychosocial care - mindfulness-based supportive therapy (MBST) and mini-mindfulness meditation (MMM) are introduced. We hypothesise that mindful practices, tailored to the palliative setting, can promote positive psychosocial outcomes.
