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Psychological Intervention for Distress During HSCT

Phase 2
Completed
Conditions
Bone Marrow Transplantation
Psychological Distress
Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Interventions
Other: Psychological preparation
Registration Number
NCT02212236
Lead Sponsor
University of Nottingham
Brief Summary

This Phase II trial aims to evaluate a new psychological intervention to alleviate distress during haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) together with examining feasibility.

HSCT is a complex procedure aimed at a range of haematological and autoimmune illnesses. Over 3,000 individuals undergo the procedure every year in the UK with substantial benefits. However, it is very costly, intensive, and has a range of debilitating side effects. Consequently, patients often experience considerable distress, which can impede recovery.

A 90-minute, group-based intervention has been developed to address this need based on psychological theory of adjustment to illness-related difficulties. It is delivered by the transplant team and involves provision of information to foster more helpful perceptions about HSCT and facilitating more helpful coping with its difficulties. To evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in alleviating distress, 60 patients about to undergo HSCT at two sites (Sheffield \& Nottingham) will be randomly allocated into two groups. Patients in the intervention group will receive the new intervention prior to transplantation together with treatment as usual (TAU) while patients in the control group will receive TAU alone. Participants and the researcher collecting the data will be blind to the allocation.

Demographic and relevant clinical information will be recorded at the end of participation to ensure effectiveness of randomisation. For both groups, resilience, distress, coping, and procedure-related perceptions will be measured at four time points: (i) prior to the intervention/transplantation, (ii) day of transplant, (iii) two weeks following the transplant, and (iv) four weeks following the transplant. It is hypothesised that patients in the intervention group will experience higher resilience and lower distress compared to controls and that this difference will be mediated by procedure-related perceptions and coping. A subgroup of participants of those randomised to the group intervention will be invited to participate in a feedback interview at the end.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
45
Inclusion Criteria
  • patients referred for HSCT as treatment for haematological malignancy
  • age of 18 years or older
  • sufficient command of the English language or access to suitable support to comprehend materials and participate in the group and data collection over the telephone
  • informed consent
  • permission will also be sought by the patient's Consultant Haematologist once clients have consented
Exclusion Criteria
  • Consent withdrawn
  • Consultant Haematologist raises concern regarding participation

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Psychological preparation + TAUPsychological preparationTAU=treatment as usual
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21)Day 28

Assesses presence of depression, anxiety, stress, and overall distress; 21 items, Likert-type.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Brief Resilience Scale (BRS)Day 28

Assesses resilience; 6 items, Likert-type.

Brief Coping with Problems Experienced scale (COPE)Day 28

Assesses coping styles; 28-item, Likert-type.

Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire (IPQ)Day 28

Assesses illness perceptions, adapted for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation; 9-item, Likert-type.

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Nottingham City Hospital

🇬🇧

Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom

Royal Hallamshire Hospital

🇬🇧

Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom

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