A Positive Psychology Based Intervention (PATH-C) for Caregivers of HSCT Survivors

Launched by BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · Nov 23, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a program called PATH-C, which is designed to help improve the mental well-being and quality of life for caregivers of patients undergoing a special treatment called hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for blood cancers. Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting these patients, and this study aims to see if the PATH-C program can help them feel better emotionally, increase their quality of life, and encourage them to be more physically active.

To participate, caregivers need to be at least 18 years old and provide care for someone receiving HSCT at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. They should have regular in-person contact with the patient and be comfortable speaking English. However, caregivers of patients with non-cancerous blood conditions or those with certain mental health issues that could affect their ability to participate will not be eligible. Participants can expect to engage in the PATH-C program and complete some questionnaires to help researchers understand its effects. This trial is currently recruiting caregivers, so there is an opportunity to get involved and receive support through this unique program.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adult caregivers (aged 18 years and older) of patients undergoing allogeneic or autologous HSCT at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for a hematologic malignancy.
• • A relative or a friend who either lives with the patient or has in-person contact with them at least twice per week and is identified as the primary caregiver for HSCT.
• • Ability to speak English and able to complete questionnaires with minimal assistance of an interpreter as this is a feasibility trial of the PATH-C intervention which is currently only available in English.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Caregivers of patients undergoing HSCT for benign hematologic conditions.
• • Caregivers with acute or unstable psychiatric conditions which the treating transplant clinician believes prohibits informed consent or compliance with study procedures.
• • 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 participants.