Feasibility and Acceptability Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Meaning-Centered Problem-Solving Therapy Intervention for Family Caregivers of Children With Medical Complexity
University of Pittsburgh
Summary
This study aims to evaluate a new program specifically developed to better support parents and family caregivers of children with complex health needs. The name of this program is MAPS (Meaning and Problem Solving). The goal of MAPS is to improve caregivers' emotional well-being and confidence in dealing with adversity. We are testing the program to see if parents and family caregivers find the MAPS program acceptable and identify ways we can improve it.
Description
The goal of this pilot study is to evaluate whether conducting a randomized clinical trial of a novel psychological intervention (entitled MAPS \[Meaning And Problem-Solving\]), specifically designed for family caregivers of children with medical complexity, is feasible and acceptable. Researchers will compare participation in the MAPS program to usual psychosocial care. Family caregivers randomized to the MAPS intervention will participate in 8 one-on-one virtual sessions with a trained MAPS facilitator over 2-3 months, and complete a pre- and post-intervention survey questionnaire, as well a…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Family caregiver of a child or dependent adult with impaired capacity receiving medical care at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Complex Care Center or from UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Supportive Care team. 2. Caregiver has medical decision-making authority for their child (as determined by the clinical attending physician). 3. Caregiver's child is medically complex, which is defined as 1+ chronic health conditions, major functional limitations, significant health service needs, and high health care utilization. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Caregiver is…
Interventions
- BehavioralMAPS (Meaning And Problem Solving)
The MAPS intervention is a manualized behavioral program, tailored for family caregivers of children with medical complexity, which consists of 8 one-on-one 45-60 minute sessions delivered by a trained interventionist. The intervention aims to improve participant mental health and emotional well-being by enhancing participants' sense of meaning and problem-solving skills. Key components adapted from meaning-centered psychotherapy include: identifying sources of meaning, guided imagery, personalized coping statements, meaningful activity scheduling, and values-based goal setting. Problem-solving skills-training is adapted from Bright IDEAS, a 5-step framework to teach problem-solving skills originally developed for mothers of children with cancer. Participants receive a workbook with reference materials, worksheets, and home practice exercises to promote skill mastery and routine maintenance.
- BehavioralUsual Psychosocial Care
Participants randomized to the comparison arm will receive usual psychosocial care services routinely provided by our institution's pediatric complex care and palliative care interdisciplinary team. This psychosocial care includes routine clinical evaluations, emotional and social support, and care coordination services, which are delivered via scheduled outpatient clinic visits, phone/virtual consultations, or inpatient visits.
Location
- UPMC Children's Hospital of PittsburghPittsburgh, Pennsylvania