A mindfulness-based intervention for caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients: Pilot results.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and stress-related outcomes of a 6-week mindfulness-based intervention (FOCUS) for caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) cancer patients.
Results Summary
The study found that FOCUS was highly feasible and acceptable, with significant improvements in mindfulness, post-traumatic growth, and general mental health, along with significant reductions in negative affect.
Population
Caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) cancer patients (N = 21; 76% female; mean age = 57.43).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
6 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6-week mindfulness-based intervention (FOCUS) | increase | feasibility | caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) cancer patients | - | was highly feasible | #1 |
6-week mindfulness-based intervention (FOCUS) | increase | acceptability | caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) cancer patients | - | was highly acceptable | #2 |
6-week mindfulness-based intervention (FOCUS) | increase | attendance | caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) cancer patients | 71% | 71% attended at least four of six sessions | #3 |
6-week mindfulness-based intervention (FOCUS) | increase | skill utilization | caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) cancer patients | 100% | 100% reported using the skills learned at follow-up | #4 |
6-week mindfulness-based intervention (FOCUS) | increase | treatment engagement | caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) cancer patients | - | high treatment engagement | #5 |
6-week mindfulness-based intervention (FOCUS) | increase | mindfulness | caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) cancer patients | - | Significant increases in mindfulness | #6 |
6-week mindfulness-based intervention (FOCUS) | increase | post-traumatic growth | caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) cancer patients | - | Significant increases in post-traumatic growth | #7 |
6-week mindfulness-based intervention (FOCUS) | increase | general mental health | caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) cancer patients | - | Significant increases in general mental health | #8 |
6-week mindfulness-based intervention (FOCUS) | decrease | negative affect | caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) cancer patients | - | significant decreases in negative affect | #9 |
Despite high levels of stress, there are few empirically supported stress management interventions for caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) cancer patients. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and various stress-related outcomes from pre- to post-treatment of a pilot, single-arm trial of a 6-week mindfulness-based intervention (FOCUS) for stress management. Caregivers (N = 21; 76% female; mean age = 57.43) were enrolled prior to patient transplant and received FOCUS during the first 90 days post-transplant. Findings indicated that FOCUS was highly feasible and acceptable (e.g., 71% attended at least four of six sessions; 100% reported using the skills learned at follow-up; high treatment engagement). Significant increases in mindfulness, post-traumatic growth, and general mental health were observed, along with significant decreases in negative affect (all ps < .05).