Online mindfulness programs are increasingly used to manage health conditions. This scoping review of 84 studies found that online mindfulness-based interventions have been studied for many physical and mental health conditions, with 63 studies focused on physical health. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy was the most common type, assessed in 33 studies. Interventions typically lasted 8 weeks, were led by therapists or instructors, and delivered via web or videoconferencing. Content generally followed standard mindfulness programs, sometimes adding psychoeducation or disease management. Many studies did not report tailoring interventions to participants, and reporting of intervention details was inconsistent. The review suggests some evidence for online mindfulness programs but notes that intervention components remain unclear.
People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), their care partners, MS clinicians, and mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) instructors identified four key themes for implementing online MBIs: structuring mindfulness to fit daily life, improving clinician awareness and advocacy to build referral pathways, ensuring validating group experiences through diverse participant composition and skilled instructor interactions, and providing resources for sustained engagement. PwMS valued having control to tailor MBIs to their needs and preferred diverse participant groups, though clinician guidance may be needed to foster self-agency. Shared decision-making among all knowledge users can enhance flexible online MBI programming.