Remote Interventions Show Promise in Reducing Caregiver Distress During Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Support
Remote accessible interventions may offer a promising strategy to reduce distress and improve quality of life (QOL) among caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), according to study results published in Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology.
Currently there are few structured interventions exist to address their psychological burden, despite the critical role caregivers play in supporting patients receiving HSCT, especially in a remote or digital format. To address this need, researchers conducted an integrative literature review to determine the availability and impact of remote interventions for caregivers of patients receiving HSCT.
The review analyzed studies published between January 2013 and February 2023 and 4 studies were included of 699 articles screened.
Studies were analyzed by their availability which referred to how interventions were accessed and delivered, either through telehealth or digital platforms, as well as impact which encompassed caregiver-reported outcomes, including mental health, perceived usefulness, and QOL, assessed through validated measurement tools and structured interviews.
Of the 4 included studies, caregivers reported a mental health benefit and lower reported depression, as well as improved QOL. Additionally, the 4 interventions analyzed were determined to be useful by included caregivers. further large-scale, prospective studies are needed to establish best practices, optimize intervention delivery, and broaden accessibility.
The researchers concluded, “the interventions that are available are promising as evidenced by an overall positive impact on perceived usefulness, QOL, and mental health.”
They added, “Well-designed and validated remotely delivered interventions can increase accessibility, reduce distress, and positively impact caregivers of patients undergoing HSCT.”
Source:
Osburn, J, Martinez, A, Dains, J. Reducing Distress in Caregivers of Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation With Remotely Accessible Interventions: An Integrative Review. Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology. Published online January 29, 2025. doi:10.6004/jadpro.2025.16.7.5
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