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Kelley MM, Powell T, Camara D, Shah N, Norton JM, Deitelzweig C, Vaidy N, Hsiao CJ, Wang J, Bierman AS. Mobile Health Apps, Family Caregivers, and Care Planning: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e46108. [PMID: 38781588 PMCID: PMC11157180 DOI: 10.2196/46108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) face substantial challenges in planning and coordinating increasingly complex care. Family caregivers provide important assistance for people with MCCs but lack sufficient support. Caregiver apps have the potential to help by enhancing care coordination and planning among the health care team, including patients, caregivers, and clinicians. OBJECTIVE We aim to conduct a scoping review to assess the evidence on the development and use of caregiver apps that support care planning and coordination, as well as to identify key factors (ie, needs, barriers, and facilitators) related to their use and desired caregiver app functionalities. METHODS Papers intersecting 2 major domains, mobile health (mHealth) apps and caregivers, that were in English and published from 2015 to 2021 were included in the initial search from 6 databases and gray literature and ancestry searches. As per JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) Scoping Review guidelines and PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews), 2 authors independently screened full texts with disagreements resolved by a third author. Working in pairs, the authors extracted data using a pilot-tested JBI extraction table and compared results for consensus. RESULTS We identified 34 papers representing 25 individual studies, including 18 (53%) pilot and feasibility studies, 13 (38%) qualitative studies, and 2 experimental or quasi-experimental studies. None of the identified studies assessed an intervention of a caregiver app for care planning and coordination for people with MCCs. We identified important caregiver needs in terms of information, support, and care coordination related to both caregiving and self-care. We compiled desired functionalities and features enabling apps to meet the care planning and care coordination needs of caregivers, in particular, the integration of caregiver roles into the electronic health record. CONCLUSIONS Caregiver needs identified through this study can inform developers and researchers in the design and implementation of mHealth apps that integrate with the electronic health record to link caregivers, patients, and clinicians to support coordinated care for people with MCCs. In addition, this study highlights the need for more rigorous research on the use of mHealth apps to support caregivers in care planning and coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie M Kelley
- The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Tia Powell
- Montefiore Einstein Center for Bioethics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Djibril Camara
- Credence Management Solution, USAID Global Health Technical Professionals, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Neha Shah
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jenna M Norton
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | - Nivedha Vaidy
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Chun-Ju Hsiao
- Center for Evidence and Practice Improvement, Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Jing Wang
- Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Arlene S Bierman
- Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, Rockville, MD, United States
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Coumoundouros C, Farrand P, Sanderman R, von Essen L, Woodford J. "Systems seem to get in the way": a qualitative study exploring experiences of accessing and receiving support among informal caregivers of people living with chronic kidney disease. BMC Nephrol 2024; 25:7. [PMID: 38172754 PMCID: PMC10765659 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-023-03444-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The well-being of informal caregivers of people living with chronic kidney disease is influenced by their experiences with support, however, few studies have focused on exploring these experiences. This study aimed to explore informal caregivers' experiences accessing and receiving support while caring for someone living with chronic kidney disease. METHODS Informal caregivers of people living with chronic kidney disease (n = 13) in the United Kingdom were primarily recruited via community organisations and social media adverts to participate in semi-structured interviews. Interviews explored support needs, experiences of receiving support from different groups (e.g. healthcare professionals, family/friends), and barriers and facilitators to accessing support. Support was understood as including emotional, practical, and informational support. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three themes were generated: (1) "Systems seem to get in the way" - challenges within support systems, illustrating the challenges informal caregivers encountered when navigating complex support systems; (2) Relying on yourself, describing how informal caregivers leveraged their existing skills and networks to access support independently, while recognising the limitations of having to rely on yourself to find support; and (3) Support systems can "take the pressure off", showing how support systems were able to help informal caregivers cope with the challenges they experienced if certain conditions were met. CONCLUSIONS In response to the challenges informal caregivers experienced when seeking support, improvements are needed to better consider informal caregiver needs within healthcare systems, and to develop interventions tailored to informal caregiver needs and context. Within the healthcare system, informal caregivers may benefit from system navigation support and better integration within healthcare teams to ensure their informational support needs are met. New interventions developed to support informal caregivers should fit within their existing support systems and incorporate the qualities of support, such as empathy, that were valued. Additionally, use of an equity framework and user-centered design approaches during intervention development could help ensure interventions are accessible and acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Coumoundouros
- Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 14B, Uppsala, 751 05, Sweden
- Clinical Education, Development and Research (CEDAR); Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Paul Farrand
- Clinical Education, Development and Research (CEDAR); Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Robbert Sanderman
- Department of Health Psychology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Louise von Essen
- Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 14B, Uppsala, 751 05, Sweden
| | - Joanne Woodford
- Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 14B, Uppsala, 751 05, Sweden.
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Applebaum AJ, Sannes T, Mitchell HR, McAndrew NS, Wiener L, Knight JM, Nelson AJ, Gray TF, Fank PM, Lahijani SC, Pozo-Kaderman C, Rueda-Lara M, Miran DM, Landau H, Amonoo HL. Fit for Duty: Lessons Learned from Outpatient and Homebound Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation to Prepare Family Caregivers for Home-Based Care. Transplant Cell Ther 2023; 29:143-150. [PMID: 36572386 PMCID: PMC9780643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, the demand for home-based care has been amplified by the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Home-based care has significant benefits for patients, their families, and healthcare systems, but it relies on the often-invisible workforce of family and friend caregivers who shoulder essential health care responsibilities, frequently with inadequate training and support. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), a potentially curative but intensive treatment for many patients with blood disorders, is being increasingly offered in home-based care settings and necessitates the involvement of family caregivers for significant patient care responsibilities. However, guidelines for supporting and preparing HCT caregivers to effectively care for their loved ones at home have not yet been established. Here, informed by the literature and our collective experience as clinicians and researchers who care for diverse patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing HCT, we provide considerations and recommendations to better support and prepare family caregivers in home-based HCT and, by extension, family caregivers supporting patients with other serious illnesses at home. We suggest tangible ways to screen family caregivers for distress and care delivery challenges, educate and train them to prepare for their caregiving role, and create an infrastructure of support for family caregivers within this emerging care delivery model.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Applebaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
| | - T Sannes
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - H R Mitchell
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York
| | - N S McAndrew
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital, Patient Care Research, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - L Wiener
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - J M Knight
- Departments of Psychiatry, Medicine, and Microbiology & Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - A J Nelson
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - T F Gray
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - P M Fank
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - S C Lahijani
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Division of Medical Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - C Pozo-Kaderman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - M Rueda-Lara
- University of Miami/Leonard Miller School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - D M Miran
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - H Landau
- Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - H L Amonoo
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Coumoundouros C, Farrand P, Hamilton A, von Essen L, Sanderman R, Woodford J. Cognitive behavioural therapy self-help intervention preferences among informal caregivers of adults with chronic kidney disease: an online cross-sectional survey. BMC Nephrol 2023; 24:4. [PMID: 36600229 PMCID: PMC9812545 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-022-03052-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informal caregivers (i.e. family and friends) provide essential support to people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Many informal caregivers experience mental health problems such as anxiety and depression due to the caregiving role, and commonly have unmet psychological support needs. One potential solution is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) self-help interventions that are less reliant on extensive involvement of healthcare professionals, which may increase access. Within the intervention development phase of the MRC framework, the study's primary objective was to examine informal caregivers' self-help intervention preferences (e.g. delivery format, content). Secondary objectives were to describe the informal caregiver's situation (e.g. type of care activities) and mental health (symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress). METHODS An online cross-sectional survey conducted in the United Kingdom. Informal caregivers of adults living with CKD were recruited via social media, websites, newsletters, magazine articles, a podcast episode, and paid Facebook advertisements. The survey examined: informal caregiver characteristics; care recipient characteristics; self-help intervention preferences; and informal caregiver's mental health using the DASS-21. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Sixty-five informal caregivers participated. The majority (85%) were female, caring for a male (77%) spouse/partner (74%). Responses indicated 58% of informal caregivers were experiencing at least mild depression. In total, 48% indicated they were likely to use a CBT self-help intervention, preferring an intervention provided via internet (e.g. website) (64%), workbook (56%), or individually in-person (54%). Regarding content, interventions should cover a wide range of topics including living with CKD, support services, informal caregiver's physical health, and diet. Overall, 48% reported a preference for a supported intervention, with support delivered in-person or via email by a trained professional at a community organisation. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest CBT self-help interventions may be an acceptable way to provide psychological support to informal caregivers, however the study is limited by the small sample size. A wide range of intervention preferences were identified indicating a need to tailor intervention content and delivery to enhance acceptability and engagement. Results will inform development of a CBT self-help intervention for informal caregivers of people with CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Coumoundouros
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Healthcare Sciences and E-Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden ,grid.8391.30000 0004 1936 8024Clinical Education, Development and Research (CEDAR), Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Paul Farrand
- grid.8391.30000 0004 1936 8024Clinical Education, Development and Research (CEDAR), Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Alexander Hamilton
- grid.8391.30000 0004 1936 8024Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK ,Exeter Kidney Unit, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Louise von Essen
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Healthcare Sciences and E-Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robbert Sanderman
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Health Psychology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Joanne Woodford
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Healthcare Sciences and E-Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Coumoundouros C, Mårtensson E, Ferraris G, Zuidberg JM, von Essen L, Sanderman R, Woodford J. Implementation of e-Mental Health Interventions for Informal Caregivers of Adults With Chronic Diseases: Mixed Methods Systematic Review With a Qualitative Comparative Analysis and Thematic Synthesis. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e41891. [PMID: 36314782 PMCID: PMC9752475 DOI: 10.2196/41891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informal caregivers commonly experience mental health difficulties related to their caregiving role. e-Mental health interventions provide mental health support in a format that may be more accessible to informal caregivers. However, e-mental health interventions are seldom implemented in real-world practice. OBJECTIVE This mixed methods systematic review aimed to examine factors associated with the effectiveness and implementation of e-mental health interventions for informal caregivers of adults with chronic diseases. To achieve this aim, two approaches were adopted: combinations of implementation and intervention characteristics sufficient for intervention effectiveness were explored using qualitative comparative analysis, and barriers to and facilitators of implementation of e-mental health interventions for informal caregivers were explored using thematic synthesis. METHODS We identified relevant studies published from January 1, 2007, to July 6, 2022, by systematically searching 6 electronic databases and various secondary search strategies. Included studies reported on the effectiveness or implementation of e-mental health interventions for informal caregivers of adults with cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. Randomized controlled trials reporting on caregivers' mental health outcomes were included in a crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis. We assessed randomized controlled trials for bias using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and we assessed how pragmatic or explanatory their trial design was using the Pragmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary 2 tool. Studies of any design reporting on implementation were included in a thematic synthesis using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to identify barriers to and facilitators of implementation. RESULTS Overall, 53 reports, representing 29 interventions, were included in the review. Most interventions (27/29, 93%) focused on informal cancer or dementia caregivers. In total, 14 reports were included in the qualitative comparative analysis, exploring conditions including the presence of peer or professional support and key persuasive design features. Low consistency and coverage prevented the determination of condition sets sufficient for intervention effectiveness. Overall, 44 reports were included in the thematic synthesis, and 152 barriers and facilitators were identified, with the majority related to the intervention and individual characteristic domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Implementation barriers and facilitators in the inner setting (eg, organizational culture) and outer setting (eg, external policies and resources) domains were largely unexplored. CONCLUSIONS e-Mental health interventions for informal caregivers tend to be well-designed, with several barriers to and facilitators of implementation identified related to the intervention and individual user characteristics. Future work should focus on exploring the views of stakeholders involved in implementation to determine barriers to and facilitators of implementing e-mental health interventions for informal caregivers, focusing on inner and outer setting barriers and facilitators. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) CRD42020155727; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020155727. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035406.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Coumoundouros
- Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erika Mårtensson
- Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Centre for Gender Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Giulia Ferraris
- Department of Health Psychology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Louise von Essen
- Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robbert Sanderman
- Department of Health Psychology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Joanne Woodford
- Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Su Z, Li X, McDonnell D, Fernandez AA, Flores BE, Wang J. Technology-Based Interventions for Cancer Caregivers: Concept Analysis. JMIR Cancer 2021; 7:e22140. [PMID: 34783664 PMCID: PMC8663574 DOI: 10.2196/22140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer is a taxing chronic disease that demands substantial care, most of which is shouldered by informal caregivers. As a result, cancer caregivers often have to manage considerable challenges that could result in severe physical and psychological health consequences. Technology-based interventions have the potential to address many, if not all, of the obstacles caregivers encounter while caring for patients with cancer. However, although the application of technology-based interventions is on the rise, the term is seldom defined in research or practice. Considering that the lack of conceptual clarity of the term could compromise the effectiveness of technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers, timely research is needed to bridge this gap. Objective This study aims to clarify the meaning of technology-based interventions in the context of cancer caregiving and provide a definition that can be used by cancer caregivers, patients, clinicians, and researchers to facilitate evidence-based research and practice. Methods The 8-step concept analysis method by Walker and Avant was used to analyze the concept of technology-based interventions in the context of cancer caregiving. PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched for studies that examined technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers. Results The defining attributes of technology-based interventions were recognized as being accessible, affordable, convenient, and user-friendly. On the basis of insights gained on the defining attributes, antecedents to, and consequences of technology-based interventions through the concept analysis process, technology-based interventions were defined as the use of technology to design, develop, and deliver health promotion contents and strategies aimed at inducing or improving positive physical or psychological health outcomes in cancer caregivers. Conclusions This study clarified the meaning of technology-based interventions in the context of cancer caregiving and provided a clear definition that can be used by caregivers, patients, clinicians, and researchers to facilitate evidence-based oncology practice. A clear conceptualization of technology-based interventions lays foundations for better intervention design and research outcomes, which in turn have the potential to help health care professionals address the needs and preferences of cancer caregivers more cost-effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Su
- Center on Smart and Connected Health Technologies, School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Xiaoshan Li
- Program of Public Relations and Advertising, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai, China
| | - Dean McDonnell
- Department of Humanities, Institute of Technology, Carlow, Ireland
| | - Andrea A Fernandez
- School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Bertha E Flores
- School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Jing Wang
- Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, United States
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Natvig C, Mikulich-Gilbertson SK, Laudenslager ML, Bradley CJ. Association between employment status change and depression and anxiety in allogeneic stem cell transplant caregivers. J Cancer Surviv 2021; 16:1090-1095. [PMID: 34417708 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01099-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) is a demanding treatment that requires caregiver support during the first 100 days post-transplant. Little is known about the association between caregivers' employment changes and their well-being during this lengthy and challenging time when caregivers may be balancing work with caregiving responsibilities. METHODS We used data from employed caregivers of Allo-HSCT patients who participated in two randomized clinical trials (N = 187) of an intervention for caregivers. Caregiver depression and anxiety were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. ANCOVA was used to measure the associations between reducing work with depression and anxiety. Caregiver's demographics and baseline employment status were controlled in the analysis along with the patient's transplant conditioning intensity. RESULTS Approximately 45% of caregivers reduced hours worked following the resumption of their caregiving duties. These caregivers, on average, had 3.49 points higher depression scores than caregivers who did not report a reduction in work (p < 0.01). Similarly, these caregivers also reported, on average, 3.56 higher anxiety scores (p < 0.10). CONCLUSIONS Caregivers who reduced hours worked while caregiving reported greater distress. The underlying cause of this distress deserves further investigation. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Caregivers of patients diagnosed with cancer may experience considerable stress related to work discontinuation and caregiving. Interventions are needed to support caregivers who are trying to balance work and caregiving responsibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Natvig
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Susan K Mikulich-Gilbertson
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mark L Laudenslager
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cathy J Bradley
- Department of Health Systems, Management, and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Borghouts J, Eikey E, Mark G, De Leon C, Schueller SM, Schneider M, Stadnick N, Zheng K, Mukamel D, Sorkin DH. Barriers to and Facilitators of User Engagement With Digital Mental Health Interventions: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e24387. [PMID: 33759801 PMCID: PMC8074985 DOI: 10.2196/24387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs), which deliver mental health support via technologies such as mobile apps, can increase access to mental health support, and many studies have demonstrated their effectiveness in improving symptoms. However, user engagement varies, with regard to a user’s uptake and sustained interactions with these interventions. Objective This systematic review aims to identify common barriers and facilitators that influence user engagement with DMHIs. Methods A systematic search was conducted in the SCOPUS, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Empirical studies that report qualitative and/or quantitative data were included. Results A total of 208 articles met the inclusion criteria. The included articles used a variety of methodologies, including interviews, surveys, focus groups, workshops, field studies, and analysis of user reviews. Factors extracted for coding were related to the end user, the program or content offered by the intervention, and the technology and implementation environment. Common barriers included severe mental health issues that hampered engagement, technical issues, and a lack of personalization. Common facilitators were social connectedness facilitated by the intervention, increased insight into health, and a feeling of being in control of one’s own health. Conclusions Although previous research suggests that DMHIs can be useful in supporting mental health, contextual factors are important determinants of whether users actually engage with these interventions. The factors identified in this review can provide guidance when evaluating DMHIs to help explain and understand user engagement and can inform the design and development of new digital interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Eikey
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Gloria Mark
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Nicole Stadnick
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Kai Zheng
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Dana Mukamel
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Dara H Sorkin
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Pensak NA, Carr AL, Jones J, Mikulich-Gilbertson SK, Kutner JS, Kilbourn K, Sannes TS, Brewer BB, Kolva E, Joshi T, Laudenslager ML. A pilot study of mobilized intervention to help caregivers of oncology patients manage distress. Psychooncology 2020; 30:520-528. [PMID: 33217070 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Caregivers of patients with advanced cancer experience significant anxiety, depression, and distress. Caregivers have barriers to accessing in-person treatment to manage stress. Technology allows for the dissemination of evidence-based interventions in a convenient way. This study examined usage rates of Pep-Pal (an evidence-based mobilized intervention to help caregivers of patients with advanced cancer manage distress) and estimates of efficacy on anxiety, depression, stress, and sexual dysfunction. METHODS Fifty-six primary caregivers of patients with advanced cancer were recruited through oncology clinics and randomized to either Pep-Pal (a mobilized psychoeducation and skills-based intervention for caregivers, n = 26) or treatment as usual (TAU; n = 30). All were screened for moderate anxiety on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety screening assessment (A ≥ 8) at baseline. RESULTS Participants randomized to Pep-Pal experienced greater reductions in perceived stress (PSS; F = 3.91, p = .05), greater increases in ability to learn and use stress management skills (F = 6.16, p = 0.01), and greater increases in sexual function (women only; F = 5.07, p = 0.03) compared to participants in TAU. Of Pep-Pal participants, only 10 (38.5%) watched at least 7/9 full-length sessions. The a priori hypothesis and criterion that participants would watch at least 75% full-length sessions were not met. CONCLUSIONS A brief, easily disseminated mobile intervention showed poor adherence, but had limited estimates of efficacy for secondary outcomes; perceived stress, learning stress management skills, and sexual functioning (women only). Future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alaina L Carr
- University of Colorado-Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Jacqueline Jones
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Jean S Kutner
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Timothy S Sannes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Benjamin B Brewer
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Elissa Kolva
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Tanisha Joshi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mark L Laudenslager
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Parry M. Caregiver Burden and Cardiovascular Disease: Can We Afford to Keep the Health of Caregivers in Canada Invisible? Can J Cardiol 2019; 35:1267-1269. [PMID: 31515086 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2019.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Parry
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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