Exploring the Feasibility of a Mobile App-Based Mindfulness Intervention

Abstract

Background: End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) can cause many health disorders, including physical and mental health ailments. Hemodialysis (HD) patients experience a range of symptoms. Studies have shown that many mental health symptoms are pronounced in HD patients, such as anxiety. Treatment for both physical and psychological health may be necessary to provide a truly holistic plan of care. Studies have shown that Mindfulness interventions are low-cost, non-invasive, and effective in alleviating some of the mental health symptom burden. Objective: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a five-session behavioral intervention using a mobile app in a kidney dialysis setting. Method: The use of technology-assisted intervention of mindfulness delivered via a mobile app. Using the Healthy Minds App, participants listened to the program for 5 weeks. At the end of the term, participants were surveyed with pre- and post-GAD7 surveys. The feasibility of this study was measured by recruitment rates and adherence to sessions. Results: A total of seven participants completed the study. The median number of lessons completed was 2 out of 5. GAD7 scores of the pre and post -assessment were analyzed using SPSS (v.29). The Wilcoxon test revealed Z = -1.604, p =.109, R= -0.43, a small to medium negative effect size. Conclusion: Although many studies showed efficacious results from other countries, the different dynamics did not crossover, especially with a self-motivated mobile app. Since the results were limited, there needs to be a more efficient way to deliver the intervention to this population. In-person therapists showed promising results. Recommendation is for future studies to focus on enhancing those interventions.Barnett College of Public HealthNursingAccompanied by a poster presented at the Annual Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Project Poster Session, which took place April 15, 2026, in Philadelphia, PA