AutoFOCUS: A mindfulness-based intervention for caregivers of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Abstract

Objectives: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) cancer caregivers experience significant burden and stress with limited tailored resources. Mindfulness interventions hold promise in alleviating caregiver distress. Predicated on our previous work with allogeneic HCT caregivers, this single-arm trial tested the feasibility and acceptability of a modified mindfulness-based intervention, AutoFOCUS, among autologous HCT caregivers.

Methods: Participants received the 6-session AutoFOCUS face-to-face via telehealth, with assessments at baseline, end of treatment, and 1-month post-treatment. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment, retention, and session attendance, and acceptability was measured via satisfaction and intent to continue using skills learned. Exploratory outcome measures included distress, anxiety, perceived stress, affect, and post-traumatic growth. Data from the smartphone app that supplemented the face-to-face component of the intervention were collected. In-depth interviews gathered participant feedback.

Results: Twenty-six caregivers (mean age = 57.7 years, 89% female) were enrolled and 19 completed at least 4 sessions, 14 completed all 6 sessions, and 22 completed the 1-month follow-up. High satisfaction (M = 3.56/4; SD = 0.43) and intent to utilize the skills learned in the future (M = 8.58/10; SD = 1.81/4) were reported. Significant reductions in distress (p < .001, (effect sizes [ES]) = 0.99), anxiety (p = .032, [ES] = 0.53), perceived stress (p = .035, [ES] = 0.52), and negative affect (p = .008, [ES] = 0.69) were reported, along with a significant increase in post-traumatic growth (p = .009, [ES] = 0.67) from baseline to end of treatment. App use was moderate. Interview results highlighted positive perceptions and supported quantitative results.

Significance of results: AutoFOCUS was feasible and acceptable. Future studies should explore the efficacy of this treatment on a larger scale with a comparison condition.