Virtual Peer Support for Caregiver Burden

(Family Cares Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Jillian Kifell, MSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Lady Davis Institute

Disqualifiers: Another family member, Language barrier

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

60 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this pilot study is to learn if virtual peer support groups and strengths-based skills training can help family caregivers of ICU survivors providing ongoing support to ICU survivors after hospital discharge. The main question it aims to answer is: - Are virtual peer support groups and/or strengths-based skills support feasible and acceptable for family caregivers of ICU survivors? Researchers will compare the intervention group (virtual peer support groups or strengths-based skills training) to the control group (no intervention) to see if the interventions improve caregiver outcomes and assess feasibility and acceptability. Participants will: * Participate in either virtual peer support groups or strengths-based skills training sessions (if assigned to the intervention arm). * Provide feedback on the feasibility and acceptability of the interventions (if assigned to the intervention arm). * Complete surveys and follow-up questionnaires (either online or by phone) to measure outcomes.

Research Team

Michael J Goldfarb, MD, MSc

Principal Investigator

Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Jewish General Hospital

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for family caregivers of ICU survivors. Participants should be providing ongoing support after the patient's hospital discharge and willing to engage in virtual sessions or complete surveys. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, so it's assumed that any caregiver meeting these conditions can participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I was discharged from the ICU less than 6 months ago.

Family member of a person admitted to an ICU for more than 48 hours and survived to hospital discharge. 'Family' is anyone with a biological, legal, or emotional relationship with the patient and whom the patient wants involved in their care

I am or will be a caregiver for someone who survived an ICU stay.

Exclusion Criteria

I cannot communicate in English or French.

Another family member participating in the study

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants engage in virtual peer support groups or strengths-based skills training sessions

3 months

Virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants complete surveys and follow-up questionnaires to measure outcomes

6 months

Online or phone follow-ups

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Caregiver Support Intervention
• Virtual Peer Support Group Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests if virtual peer support groups and strengths-based skills training can benefit caregivers of ICU survivors. It will compare outcomes between those receiving the interventions and a control group with no intervention, focusing on feasibility and acceptability.

Participant Groups

Group I: Intervention Group Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Participants assigned to the intervention group will be permitted to choose which strategy they wish to participate in. This innovative person-centered approach will ensure that family caregivers get the type of support that they want and are not arbitrarily assigned to a strategy that they are not motivated to pursue, resulting in a pragmatic, real-world approach to choice of strategy. Participants will have the choice of two strategies: 'Virtual peer support group' or 'Caregiver Support'.

Group II: Control Group: Resources only Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will be given a list of resources for emotional or psychological distress.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Lady Davis Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

50

Recruited

6,600+