The Effect of Psychosocial Interventions on Outcomes for Caregivers of Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Patients

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) patients are required to have a caregiver present for up to 100 days post-transplant. Caregivers provide essential support during HCT but experience immense stress and burden. Increasing research has developed interventions for HCT caregivers. This review systematically evaluates psychosocial interventions for caregivers of HCT patients.

Recent Findings

The search yielded 12 studies (7 efficacy and 5 feasibility studies) enrolling 931 caregivers. Interventions were feasible and acceptable as evidenced by high rates of completion (70–100%) with attrition due to patient morbidity or mortality. Feasibility was augmented by flexible delivery (in-person, teleconference, smartphones, or Web-based platforms). Acceptability was demonstrated by objective measures of satisfaction. Effectiveness was found for fatigue and mental health service use, but not for burden, sleep-quality, and inconsistently for caregiver depression, anxiety, coping, and quality of life.

Summary

Psychosocial interventions are feasible, acceptable, and show mixed effects on HCT caregiver outcomes.

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