Feasibility, Acceptability and Preliminary Effects of the Spiritual Care Assessment and Intervention (SCAI) Framework for Adults With Advanced Cancer and Their Caregivers (FCGs): A Clinical Pilot Trial
Investigating a Spiritual Care Approach for Adults with Advanced Cancer and Their Caregivers
Brief description of study.
The purpose of this study is to test a spiritual care intervention for adults with advanced cancer and their caregivers.
Detailed description of study
This intervention will assess 4 areas of spiritual experience: meaning and purpose, relationships, transcendence and peace, self-worth and identity. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and participate in 4 sessions with research chaplains.
Eligibility of study
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: Healthy,Metastatic Cancer,Advanced Cancer
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Age: 18 years - 100 years
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Gender: All
Inclusion Criteria
Patient is at least 18 years of age
Patient is at least 2 weeks post-diagnosis of an incurable and advanced stage (IV) lung, colorectal, GI neuroendocrine and Hepatobiliary, testicular and esophageal solid malignancy and receiving cancer care at IU Simon Cancer Center.
Patient is willing and able to consent, has a reliable phone and willing to participate in 4 sessions of 30 (+/- 5) minutes per session.
Patient has a family member or eligible friend considered to be a caregiver and interested in participating in the study.
Patient has adequate English fluency for completion of data collection.
Family Caregiver (FCG) is at least 18 years of age.
Family Caregiver (FCG) has been invited to participate in the trial with a patient who meets eligibility criteria above.
Family Caregiver (FCG) is willing and able to consent and to participate in 4 sessions of 30 (+/- 5) minutes per session
Family Caregiver (FCG) has adequate English fluency for completion of data collection.
Exclusion Criteria
Patient makes 3 or more errors on a validated 6-item cognitive screener (Appendix A) or exhibits significant psychiatric or cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia/delirium, retardation, active psychosis) that in the judgment of the investigators would preclude providing informed consent and study participation.
Currently receiving hospice care (patients who enroll in hospice during the trial will have the option of continuing trial participation).
Family Caregiver (FCG) exhibits significant psychiatric or cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia/delirium, retardation, active psychosis) that in the judgment of the investigators would preclude providing informed consent and study participation.
This study investigates a spiritual care intervention for adults with advanced cancer and their caregivers. The study focuses on four areas of spiritual experience: meaning and purpose, relationships, transcendence and peace, and self-worth and identity. Advanced cancer refers to cancer that is in a late stage and is not curable.
Participants will complete questionnaires and engage in four sessions with research chaplains. These sessions will explore the spiritual areas mentioned and provide support to both patients and their caregivers.
- Who can participate: Adults aged 18 and older with incurable, advanced stage cancer, such as lung or colorectal cancer, receiving care at IU Simon Cancer Center can participate. They must consent, have a reliable phone, and participate in four sessions. A caregiver, also at least 18 years old and meeting similar criteria, must be involved.
- Study details: Participants will complete questionnaires about their experiences. A placebo is not involved in this study.
- Study Visits: The study requires 4 visits.