Mindfulness intervention for older adults with serious illness and their caregivers
Piloting an mHealth-delivered Mindfulness Therapy With Patients With Serious Illness and Their Caregivers to Alleviate Symptoms of Anxiety
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 162 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Livingston, New Jersey and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05040711 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 60 and older diagnosed with serious illnesses or their caregivers who are primary sources of informal care.
Not a fit: Patients who have previously engaged in mindfulness therapy within the last two years may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using mindfulness interventions for anxiety management, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Livingston, New Jersey and 2 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.