Building Family Caregiver Skills Using a Simulation-Based Intervention: A Randomized Pilot Trial

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Health Professions Education
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Family caregivers play a crucial role in the care of patients undergoing radiation therapy.
• Technical and communication skills are vital for effective caregiver support.
• Psychoeducational interventions can empower caregivers, but their feasibility in this context requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and fidelity of a novel psychoeducational intervention.
• To enhance technical and communication skills of family caregivers for head and neck cancer patients.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on caregiver self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A randomized pilot trial involving 18 family caregivers of head and neck cancer patients.
• Intervention included four one-on-one sessions with nurse interventionists using structured simulations.
• Caregivers completed validated measures at baseline, mid-treatment, and post-treatment.

Main Results:

• 4 out of 9 participants in the intervention group completed the program.
• The intervention group showed improvements in self-efficacy, global mental health, anxiety, and depression.
• The intervention was found to be acceptable and safe for caregivers.

Conclusions:

• The psychoeducational intervention using simulation is feasible, acceptable, and safe for family caregivers.
• Refinements to the intervention protocol are necessary to improve completion rates.
• Simulation-based training holds promise for enhancing caregiver skills and well-being in oncology.