Positive Psychology Intervention for Caregivers of Blood Cancer Patients
(PATH-C Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byHermioni L Amonoo, MD, MPP, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a program that uses activities to make caregivers of cancer patients feel happier and less stressed. The goal is to improve their health and quality of life by boosting positive emotions.

Research Team

Hermioni L Amonoo, MD, MPP, MPH

Principal Investigator

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adult caregivers (18+ years) of patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplant at DCFI. They must speak English, be able to complete questionnaires with minimal help, and have close contact with the patient at least twice a week. Caregivers with cognitive deficits that affect their ability to consent or participate are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability to speak English and able to complete questionnaires with minimum assistance of an interpreter.

Adult caregivers (≥18 years) of patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT at DCFI.

A relative or a friend who either lives with the patient or has in-person contact with him or her at least twice per week and is identified as the primary caregiver for HSCT.

Exclusion Criteria

Cognitive deficits impeding a caregiver's ability to provide informed consent or participate adequately in the study assessed via a commonly used 6-item cognitive assessment with the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) screening tool that is sensitive and specific for screening for cognitive impairment in research subjects.

Treatment Details

Interventions

Positive Psychology Intervention (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study tests a Positive Psychology Intervention aimed at reducing caregiver burden by enhancing positive emotions among those caring for blood cancer patients receiving stem cell transplants. It seeks to improve caregivers' quality of life and health outcomes.

Participant Groups

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: PATH InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants in the PATH Intervention arm will receive psychosocial support phone calls during week 1 through 9 following enrollment. After consent procedures, participants will begin an 9-week positive-psychology program involving weekly calls with an interventionist and exercises (i.e. writing a letter of gratitude, identifying personal strengths, planning meaningful and enjoyable activities). Self-assessment questionnaires to measure positive affect, health behaviors, and overall function before and after completing the Positive Psychology Intervention.