Using Mindfulness in an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol to Support Recovery After Colorectal Surgery

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS CLEVELAND MEDICAL CENTER · Jun 10, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether practicing mindfulness—a way of paying attention calmly and fully to the present moment—can help people recover better after colorectal surgery, especially by reducing pain and anxiety. Participants will be randomly placed into two groups: one group will learn mindfulness exercises like deep breathing and focusing on the senses through a 30-minute online session before surgery, while the other group will receive the usual care without the mindfulness training. The day after surgery, those in the mindfulness group will watch a short video to review the exercises. Everyone in the study will be asked to fill out surveys before and after surgery about their pain, mood, and overall well-being, and some may take part in a short online interview a few weeks later.

To join the study, patients need to be 18 or older, scheduled for bowel surgery at certain University Hospitals, able to speak English, and have internet access on a phone, tablet, or computer. They must plan to stay in the hospital at least one night after surgery. People will not be eligible if their surgery is only for comfort care, if they are discharged the same day, or if they have certain health or communication challenges. The study lasts about four weeks, and all personal information will be kept private. Even those not initially taught mindfulness will get access to the exercises later, ensuring everyone has a chance to benefit.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients scheduled for a bowel resection and enrolled in the UH Institutional ERAS pathway
• • Patients will be admitted to the inpatient hospital for at least one day postoperatively
• • Aged 18 or older
• • Receiving surgery at designated University Hospitals locations (Cleveland Medical Center, Ahuja, St. John's Medical Center)
• • English-speaking
• • Access to the internet via phone, laptop, or iPad
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Surgery for palliative purposes only
• • Surgery for ostomy take-down only
• • Discharged on day of surgery
• • History of substance use disorder
• • Allergy or intolerance to all opioids
• • Insufficient English proficiency
• • No access to the internet outside clinical settings
• • Significant visual, hearing or cognitive impairment