Caregiving Skills Training for Brain Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Family caregivers of patients with a primary brain tumor experience a high caregiving load including assistance with activities of daily living without any formal training. It is not surprising that this vulnerable caregiver population reports high levels of distress along with numerous caregiving-related concerns, which may compromise their ability to provide quality care. This project will examine the feasibility and initial evidence for efficacy of a caregiving skills intervention aiming to improve caregiver and patient psychological health; caregiving efficacy and role adjustment; and reduce patient cancer-related symptoms and healthcare utilization.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
Is Simulation-Based Caregiving Skills Training safe for humans?
How is the Simulation-Based Caregiving Skills Training treatment unique for brain cancer caregivers?
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Simulation-Based Caregiving Skills Training for caregivers of brain cancer patients?
Research shows that providing education and skills training to caregivers can reduce their burden and improve their well-being. For example, a study found that standardized education for caregivers of cancer patients improved their overall well-being, suggesting that similar training could be beneficial for caregivers of brain cancer patients.156810
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kathryn Milbury, MA,PHD
Principal Investigator
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for family caregivers of patients with high-grade gliomas (HGG). Caregivers can be spouses, parents, or adult children. Both the caregiver and patient must be over 18, speak English, and consent to participate. Patients should have a moderate ability to perform daily activities (KPS of 50-100). Excluded are caregivers in regular psychotherapy, patients with cognitive issues affecting survey completion, minors under 18 years old, and pregnant patients.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants complete a baseline assessment of questionnaires including demographic information and psychological and physical health
Caregiver Intervention Sessions
Caregivers participate in 4 intervention sessions, with the first 2 sessions at the Simulation Center and the remaining 2 sessions remotely via videoconference
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Simulation-Based Caregiving Skills Training
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator