Overview
The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility of a pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) comparing Dyadic Life Review (DLR) intervention in older adults with advanced cancer and their caregivers to Care-as-Usual (CAU) group, which involves a referral to social work.
Description
The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility of a pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) comparing Dyadic Life Review (DLR) intervention in older adults with advanced cancer and their caregivers to Care-as-Usual (CAU) group, which involves a referral to social work. The study will enroll dyads (pairs) of caregivers and older patients with advanced cancer and dyads of caregivers and patients with advanced cancer. A previous single-arm study was performed testing the feasibility of the adapted DLR intervention in older adults with advanced cancer and their caregivers. The single-arm pilot demonstrated DLR was feasible and acceptable by both patients and caregivers. This innovative pilot study will gather data to test the feasibility of a pilot and examine pre-post intervention changes in caregiver psychological distress.
Eligibility
Patient Inclusion Criteria:
- Age ≥ 65
- Within 180 days of Stage III or IV advanced cancer diagnosis, any type of cancer
- Score of 4 or more on National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer (DT)*
- Able to read and understand English
Patient Exclusion Criteria:
• Unable to identify caregiver to participate in study
Caregiver Inclusion Criteria:
- One caregiver must enroll with each patient for either subject to be eligible.
- Caregivers will be selected by the patient when asked if there is a "significant other, spouse, romantic partner, or adult child with whom you discuss or can be helpful in health-related matters;"
- Age 50 or older
- Able to reach and understand English
Caregiver Exclusion Criteria:
• Caregivers unable to provide consent