Mindfulness intervention for older adults with serious illness and their caregivers
Official title: Piloting an mHealth-delivered Mindfulness Therapy With Patients With Serious Illness and Their Caregivers to Alleviate Symptoms of Anxiety
Run by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT05040711 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a mindfulness app to see if it can help older adults with serious illnesses and their caregivers feel less anxious and cope better with their challenges.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 162 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Livingston, New Jersey and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 26, 2022 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05040711 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 60 and older diagnosed with serious illnesses or their caregivers who are primary sources of informal care.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have previously engaged in mindfulness therapy within the last two years may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the Mindfulness Coach, a mobile health mindfulness therapy intervention, for older adults with serious illnesses and their caregivers. Given the high rates of anxiety among this population, the intervention seeks to provide a non-pharmacological approach to manage symptoms of anxiety. The study will involve participants aged 60 and older who either have a serious illness or are caregivers for someone with such conditions. By addressing the mutual distress experienced by patients and caregivers, the research aims to enhance coping mechanisms and reduce overall anxiety levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce anxiety and improve the quality of life for both older adults with serious illnesses and their caregivers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using mindfulness interventions for anxiety management, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adults 60+ * Diagnosis of or caregiver for individual with serious illnesses (e.g., ESRD, Cancer, CHF, COPD, Liver Disease) * Hads-A \> 8 for patient or caregiver * Blessed\<6 * fluent in English * vision and hearing does not interfere with mobile device use * caregivers who must be 21+ * caregiver must identify as primary source of informal care for patient * Caregiver blessed \<6 * caregiver is fluent in English * Caregiver's vision and hearing does not interfere with mobile device use. Exclusion Criteria: * experience with mindfulness therapy in last 2 years * not fluent in English * vision or hearing that impairs use of mobile device * cognitive impairment more than 6 on Blessed.
Where it's running
-
RWJ Barnabas Outpatient Geriatric Clinics
Livingston, New Jersey, United States Recruiting -
RWJB Outpatient Geriatrics
Monroe, New Jersey, United States Recruiting -
Cancer Institute of New Jersey
New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elissa Kozlov, PhD — Rutgers University
- Study coordinator: ELISSA KOZLOV, PhD
- Email: elissa.kozlov@Rutgers.edu
- Phone: 9147153012
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.