Telenovela Videos for Caregivers

(NOVELA Trial)

Overseen By Marielle J Bugayong, MSPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University

Disqualifiers: Actively dying patients, Cognitive impairment, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

52 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the effectiveness of telenovela videos in helping hospice family caregivers manage anxiety and boost confidence in caregiving. Participants will watch short videos during telehealth visits to learn how to better use hospice support and healthcare services. It suits caregivers of hospice patients who have internet access and no cognitive impairments. The trial aims to determine if these videos can make caregiving easier and less stressful. As an unphased trial, it offers caregivers a unique opportunity to explore innovative support methods and potentially enhance their caregiving experience.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants must stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that the NOVELA intervention is safe for hospice family caregivers?

Research has shown that the NOVELA program, which uses telenovela-style videos to assist family caregivers during hospice care, is safe. In studies, about 86% of caregivers reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the NOVELA sessions. This high satisfaction indicates that the program is well-received. No major negative effects have been reported from watching these educational videos. Using videos to educate caregivers in hospice care has proven effective and safe. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional hospice care which primarily involves face-to-face support and manual resources, NOVELA stands out by integrating technology into caregiver support. This innovative method uses short, engaging telenovela-style videos delivered via web-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. Researchers are excited because it allows caregivers to access emotional and educational support conveniently during telehealth visits, potentially enhancing caregiver engagement and reducing stress. This approach leverages storytelling to connect emotionally with caregivers, making complex information more relatable and easier to understand.

What evidence suggests that the NOVELA intervention could be effective for reducing anxiety and improving self-efficacy in hospice family caregivers?

Research shows that NOVELA, a series of short telenovela videos, holds promise for assisting family caregivers in hospice settings. In this trial, some participants will work with an interventionist to use a web-enabled device to access and view these videos during hospice telehealth visits. Studies have found that these videos can boost caregivers' confidence in managing hospice care. Early findings suggest that watching these videos might reduce caregivers' anxiety by providing clear and relatable information. The videos help caregivers learn to handle stress and manage care more effectively, making them feel more prepared. Overall, NOVELA appears to be a helpful tool for those supporting loved ones in hospice care. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

DULCE CRUZ-OLIVER, MD

Principal Investigator

Johns Hopkins University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for African-American and Hispanic family caregivers of hospice patients. Participants should be involved in the patient's care, have access to telehealth services, and be able to understand telenovela videos designed for caregiver education.

Inclusion Criteria

Identified family caregiver of patients enrolled in hospice

With access to wireless device and internet

Without cognitive impairment

Exclusion Criteria

Without internet access

HFCG of patients that are actively dying

With cognitive impairment

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive the NOVELA intervention, which includes viewing a bilingual telenovela video series and engaging in guided conversations over 4 telehealth visits.

2 weeks

4 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in anxiety and self-efficacy after the intervention

2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• NOVELA

Trial Overview The study tests NOVELA, an educational intervention using telenovela videos during telehealth visits twice a week. It aims to see if this can reduce anxiety and increase self-efficacy compared to standard hospice care without these videos.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: NOVELA Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Hospice family caregivers will work with the interventionist to use a web-enabled device (computer, smartphone or tablet) to access and view the video (3-6 mins) over the course of 4 hospice telehealth visits, twice per week.

Group II: Usual hospice care Active Control 1 Intervention

HFCGs will receive usual hospice care.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Johns Hopkins University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,366

Recruited

15,160,000+

Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund

Collaborator

Trials

10

Recruited

900+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Between 2000 and 2007, nursing research focused on home health care identified two main themes: the organization of home care and the perceptions of caregivers and families regarding this care.

Despite some interest in defining concepts related to home care organization and caregiver characteristics, the overall scientific production in this area remains low, highlighting the need for more research in nursing related to home health care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Home healthcare: a critical appraisal on nursing scientific production]. Machado, AL., da Silva, MJ., Freitas, CH.[2019]

A study involving 20 hospice family caregivers revealed that the NOVELA intervention, which uses telenovelas for education, is perceived as an acceptable and relevant tool for enhancing caregivers' ability to manage distress and pain.

The intervention positively impacted caregivers' reactions, learning, and behavior, indicating its potential effectiveness in supporting hospice care education.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hospice Family Caregiver Perceptions of Benefits and Challenges of a Telenovela Educational Intervention. Cruz-Oliver, DM., Abshire Saylor, M., Nelson, KE., et al.[2023]

A study involving interviews with 22 hospice professionals revealed that there is a strong interest in using bilingual telenovelas as educational tools for family caregivers, addressing their needs for information on patient care and self-care.

Hospice staff, primarily nurses with an average of 9 years of experience, provided valuable insights on how to effectively implement and disseminate these telenovela videos, indicating a positive reception towards this innovative educational approach.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reflections of Hospice Staff Members About Educating Hospice Family Caregivers Through Telenovela. Cruz-Oliver, DM., Abshire, M., Budhathoki, C., et al.[2022]

A study involving 39 hospice family caregivers found that telenovela videos were more engaging than traditional educational videos, with caregivers watching them 12% longer and reporting better content recall.

Caregivers felt that telenovela videos sparked more conversations about patient care and encouraged them to reflect on their own experiences, suggesting that this format could enhance education and support for caregivers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of Traditional Videos With Telenovelas for Hospice Family Caregivers Education. Cruz-Oliver, DM., Abshire, M., Budhathoki, C., et al.[2023]

The development of a preoperative videotape by an interdisciplinary team at the Albuquerque Veterans Affairs Medical Center led to improved patient satisfaction by enhancing the availability and consistency of preoperative instructions.

Preliminary data indicates that patients and their families found the videotape an appealing and effective addition to traditional preoperative teaching methods, aligning with JCAHO standards for patient education.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A video approach to interactive patient education. Maller, CE., Twitty, VJ., Sauve, A.[2019]

A review of 62 studies found that 61% reported significant improvements in patient outcomes when using video-based educational interventions compared to standard education techniques in inpatient settings.

Video-based education effectively enhances short-term health literacy, but its impact on long-term behavior changes remains uncertain, suggesting that combining various educational methods over time may yield better health outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of the use of video-based educational interventions on patient outcomes in hospital settings: A scoping review. Dahodwala, M., Geransar, R., Babion, J., et al.[2019]

The study evaluated how often hospitalized patients used health information videos and their awareness of the programs available, revealing important insights into viewer habits and peak usage times.

In Phase II, the effectiveness of these videos in enhancing patient knowledge was confirmed, suggesting that training for nursing staff on utilizing this educational tool could improve patient education outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Teaching the nurse to teach with health information videos. Schoenbeck, SB.[2007]

A bilingual interactive videodisc program called 'The Story of Maria' was developed based on a needs assessment of 200 Hispanic mothers, ensuring it met the specific educational needs of the community.

Pilot testing in two community health centers showed that the program effectively engaged patients and was well-received, demonstrating its potential as a valuable tool for patient education in clinical practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Interactive video in health care: blending patient care, computer technology, and research results. Sweeney, MA., Gulino, C.[2021]

A scoping review of 65 studies indicates that video interventions can effectively improve patient experience and outcomes, particularly by reducing anxiety.

There is a need for standardized guidelines and appraisal tools for video production in patient care to ensure effectiveness and facilitate widespread use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of video for patient information and education: A scoping review of the variability and effectiveness of interventions. Chatterjee, A., Strong, G., Meinert, E., et al.[2021]

In Spain, the traditional model of family caregiving for dependent elders is declining, leading to an increased reliance on immigrant women for caregiving roles, which are often their only means of entering the labor market.

The study highlights the heavy burden faced by immigrant caregivers, who provide essential support for elderly individuals but often do so under challenging conditions with little respite from their responsibilities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Immigrant caregivers: characteristics of the care provided to dependent elders]. Galiana-Gómez de Cádiz, MJ., de la Cuesta-Benjumea, C., Donet-Montagut, T.[2019]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9145571/

Hospice Family Caregiver Perceptions of Benefits and ... Telenovelas show significant promise as a mode of education that could potentially enhance hospice family caregivers' (HFCG) ability to manage distress or pain.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04533594

Improving Self-Efficacy Through a Telenovela: Feasibility ... The role of videos in hospice and palliative care shows significant promise, underscoring the videos as a mode of education for family caregivers that could ...

3. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10499091241228835

Promising Impact of Telenovela Intervention for Caregivers ... In our study, NOVELA provided information about home hospice care which correlated with changes in HFCGs' self-efficacy, anxiety and ...

4. pure.johnshopkins.edu pure.johnshopkins.edu/en/publications/a-mixed-methods-analysis-of-response-to-novela-among-hospice-fami/

A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Response to NOVELA ... Background and Aims: Telenovelas are a promising educational mode for teaching hospice family caregivers (HFCGs) to manage distress for themselves and their ...

5. trialstoday.org trialstoday.org/trial/NCT06835764

A Telenovela Intervention for Caregivers of African- ... This randomized clinical trial (RCT) intends to look at the preliminary efficacy of NOVELA (intervention group) in changing anxiety and self- ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4388797/

The Impact of a Telenovela Intervention on Use of Home ... Caregiver Outcome Variables. Caregiving affects family caregivers' health, with outcomes such as fatigue, difficulty sleeping, gastrointestinal upset, headaches ...

7. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-hospices-11-2024-387f3

Telenovela Videos for Caregivers (NOVELA Trial) The NOVELA medical study, being run by Johns Hopkins University, is evaluating whether NOVELA will have tolerable side effects & efficacy for patients with ...