Lorraine Holtslander1, Wendy Duggleby2, Ulrich Teucher3, Dan Cooper4, Jill M G Bally5, Jessica Solar6, Megan Steeves7. 1. College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, 4216 E Wing Health Science Building, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon SK S7N 2Z4, Canada; Honorary Associate Professor, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. Electronic address: lorraine.holtslander@usask.ca. 2. Nursing Research Chair Aging and Quality of Life Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Level 3, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada. Electronic address: wduggleb@ualberta.ca. 3. Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada. Electronic address: ulrich.teucher@usask.ca. 4. Palliative Care Services, Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region Regina, SK S4T 1A5, Canada. Electronic address: dancooper@accesscomm.ca. 5. College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, E-Wing, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon SK S7N 2Z4, Canada. Electronic address: jill.bally@usask.ca. 6. College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, E-Wing, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon SK S7N 2Z4, Canada. Electronic address: jessica.solar@usask.ca. 7. College of Education, University of Saskatchewan, 3047 Education Building, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada. Electronic address: megan.steeves@usask.ca.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aimed to test the feasibility of a psychosocially supportive writing intervention focused on finding balance for older adult bereaved family caregivers of advanced cancer patients. METHOD: The Finding Balance Intervention (FBI) was tested for feasibility, acceptability and potential influence on increasing hope, coping and balance through a multi-method pilot study employing a randomized trial design with 19 older adults with an average age of 72 years. The intervention group received the FBI and a follow up visit from an RN-RA. The control group received the FBI at a second visit. The FBI, a theory-based intervention was developed from grounded theory qualitative data, applying Delphi methods to design a self-administered, psychosocially supportive, writing intervention for older adults who had lost a spouse after caregiving. RESULTS: Feasibility was assessed and specific modifications identified. The FBI was easy to use, acceptable and of benefit. The FBI offered validation of emotions and ways to discover new ideas to find balance, which may enable bereaved caregivers to move forward on a unique journey through grief. The treatment group showed a statistically significant increase in restoration-oriented coping and higher oscillation activity. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the FBI was easy to use, acceptable and of benefit. A full scale study, with specific modifications to the design, is needed to test the effectiveness of this innovative intervention.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: This study aimed to test the feasibility of a psychosocially supportive writing intervention focused on finding balance for older adult bereaved family caregivers of advanced cancerpatients. METHOD: The Finding Balance Intervention (FBI) was tested for feasibility, acceptability and potential influence on increasing hope, coping and balance through a multi-method pilot study employing a randomized trial design with 19 older adults with an average age of 72 years. The intervention group received the FBI and a follow up visit from an RN-RA. The control group received the FBI at a second visit. The FBI, a theory-based intervention was developed from grounded theory qualitative data, applying Delphi methods to design a self-administered, psychosocially supportive, writing intervention for older adults who had lost a spouse after caregiving. RESULTS: Feasibility was assessed and specific modifications identified. The FBI was easy to use, acceptable and of benefit. The FBI offered validation of emotions and ways to discover new ideas to find balance, which may enable bereaved caregivers to move forward on a unique journey through grief. The treatment group showed a statistically significant increase in restoration-oriented coping and higher oscillation activity. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the FBI was easy to use, acceptable and of benefit. A full scale study, with specific modifications to the design, is needed to test the effectiveness of this innovative intervention.
Authors: Kailey E Roberts; Leah E Walsh; Rebecca M Saracino; Justin Fogarty; Taylor Coats; Johanna Goldberg; Holly Prigerson; Wendy G Lichtenthal Journal: Curr Treat Options Psychiatry Date: 2019-11-01