← Back to Search

Weighted Blankets for Cancer Anxiety

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Allison De Villiers, MSN, RN, ONC

Research Sponsored by Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Age 18 years of age and older

About to begin either targeted or cytotoxic chemotherapy

Must not have

Non-English speaking

Peripheral neuropathy

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up at baseline and 30 minutes after use of either a standard or weighted blanket

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial studies if weighted blankets can reduce anxiety and distress during 1st time cancer treatments. Benefits include feeling safe, comforted, and grounded. Deep touch pressure can reduce stress and increase well-being.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adult cancer patients starting chemotherapy or immunotherapy who can understand and sign a consent form. It's not for those already using weighted blankets, under 45 kg, with certain conditions like fibromyalgia or claustrophobia, non-English speakers, or those with open wounds from recent surgery.

What is being tested?

The study tests if using weighted blankets during first-time infusions can reduce anxiety compared to regular blankets. Patients' feelings of safety and comfort are measured through surveys to see if the deep touch pressure from the blanket provides a calming effect.

What are the potential side effects?

There may be no direct side effects from using a weighted blanket; however, individuals might experience discomfort due to personal preferences or specific health conditions like claustrophobia or peripheral neuropathy.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I am 18 years old or older.

Select...

I am starting chemotherapy soon.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I do not speak English.

Select...

I have nerve damage in my hands or feet.

Select...

I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Select...

My weight is 45 kg or less.

Select...

I recently had surgery involving a flap of tissue.

Select...

I have an open sore due to prolonged pressure.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ at baseline and 30 minutes after use of either a standard or weighted blanket

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~at baseline and 30 minutes after use of either a standard or weighted blanket

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and at baseline and 30 minutes after use of either a standard or weighted blanket for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Levels of anxiety using State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for Adults, short form

Secondary study objectives

Levels of distress using NCCN Distress Thermometer

Qualitative change in levels of anxiety based on the baseline and 30 min post blanket use scores using State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for Adults, short form

Qualitative change in levels of distress based on the baseline and 30 min post blanket use scores using NCCN Distress Thermometer