Mind-body program for cardiac arrest survivors and their caregivers

Open Pilot Trial of a Dyadic Mind-body Program for Cardiac Arrest Survivors and Their Caregivers: Recovering Together After Cardiac Arrest

Not applicable Interventional Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT06517394

This study is testing a new mind-body program to see if it helps cardiac arrest survivors and their caregivers feel better and connect with each other.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06517394 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot program aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a mind-body intervention called Recovering Together after Cardiac Arrest (RT-CA) for cardiac arrest survivors and their caregivers. The intervention consists of six 30-minute sessions delivered either at the bedside or via Zoom/telephone, depending on participant preference. A total of 10 participants (5 dyads) will complete pre- and post-assessments, along with exit interviews to provide feedback on the program. The study is conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital's intensive care and step-down units.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include English-speaking adults aged 18 and older who are cardiac arrest survivors with an identified caregiver and experience clinically significant emotional distress.

Not a fit: Patients with active psychosis, mania, substance dependence, or suicidal intent may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the emotional well-being of cardiac arrest survivors and their caregivers.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar mind-body interventions have shown promise in other populations, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Out-of-hospital or in-hospital CA survivor (must have new diagnosis of "cardiac arrest" in electronic medical record from index hospitalization with documented loss of pulse) with an identified caregiver (identified by the survivor who is their primary source of emotional and functional support)
2. Score ≥4 on Short Form of the Mini Mental State Exam
3. Ability and willingness to participate in a hybrid in-person/live video or phone intervention
4. English speaking adults, 18 years or older
5. At least one member of the dyad endorses clinically significant emotional distress during screening (\>7 on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale subscales)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Active psychosis, mania, substance dependence, or suicidal intent or plan

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Emotional DistressCardiac Arrest
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.