Hybrid app plus coaching to help stem cell transplant patients manage symptoms and stay active
Randomized Controlled Trial of a Hybrid-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Symptom Management and Activity Coaching Intervention for Stem Cell Transplant Patients
['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11187047
This program uses a brief in-person visit, video coaching, and a smartphone app to help people who had a hematopoietic stem cell transplant manage fatigue, pain, and distress so they can safely increase daily activity.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11187047 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would get one in-person session that teaches cognitive-behavioral coping skills and two occupational-therapy led coaching sessions while you are in outpatient care, then four combined symptom-coping and activity-coaching sessions by video after you go home. A smartphone app and activity monitor (step counting) support the coaching and help track your daily steps and symptoms. The program focuses on practical strategies to manage fatigue, pain, and emotional distress so you can be more active and reduce physical disability. Participants are randomly assigned to this Step Up program or to usual care plus extra attention, so researchers can compare outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who recently had a hematopoietic stem cell transplant and are receiving intensive outpatient care, who can use a smartphone or video visits and participate in brief in-person and remote sessions, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are too medically unstable to take part in coaching, who do not have access to a smartphone or video visits, or whose limits are not related to activity or symptom burden may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce symptoms like fatigue and pain and help transplant patients walk more and improve physical function after transplant.
How similar studies have performed: A prior pilot (NCI R21) of the Step Up program showed it was feasible, acceptable to patients, and produced promising improvements in symptoms, daily steps, and physical disability, but a larger randomized trial is needed.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KELLEHER, SARAH — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KELLEHER, SARAH
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.