(NSP-12) Quality Improvement Intervention, the Addition of Lifestyle Medicine Group Sessions in Multiple Myeloma Population

Introduction: Multidisciplinary lifestyle medicine education for patients with multiple myeloma is limited despite lifestyle evidence-based recommendations for cancer patients (NCCN,ASCO/ACS, IMF).  Lifestyle interventions, including tailored physical activity, sleep/stress reduction, nutrition interventions, may be valuable information and changes for MM patients to assist in managing their health.  The goal to lessen side effects and perhaps improve their physical functioning, decrease fatigue and psychological distress, improve their quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

Methods: A QI pilot study employing lifestyle medicine education specific to multiple myeloma was facilitated by two ACLM-certified providers and a program coordinator at Massachusetts General Hosptial.     For the pilot study, a total of seven participants were recruited by MM providers through clinical referrals to take part in virtual visits once a week over the course of 6 weeks (6 total sessions).  The visits were structured with a brief introduction of the topic, follow up about previous week, provider-led medical education, group interaction and peer support, and closing review of goals to incorporate into daily living.   Session topics included:  physical activity, healthy eating, sleep, social connections, stress and anxiety, and time-outs, energy and purpose.

Results: Participant surveys were reviewed at the conclusion of the program.  All participants marked either "agree" or strongly agree" to the statements "this group motivated me to take better care of myself" and "this group is a valuable addition to my care at MGH".  Self- reported healthy behavior changes made following the visit included:  more intentional eating, making more time for social interaction, adding 30 minutes of daily exercise, exploring meditation and taking time to reflect on the day.  All participants noted gratitude for having a space to connect with others with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

Conclusions: This pilot study developed as a QI project, demonstrated that the lifestyle medicine group virtual visits are a valuable addition to care of patients with multiple myeloma.   All patients reported benefitting from the program in terms of: better eating habits, quality of life, improved physical activity and social connection.  Future research needs to further evaluate the effectiveness of multi-disciplinary lifestyle medicine group programs for the multiple myeloma population.