SUPPORT-T palliative program for people with progressive pulmonary fibrosis and their caregivers
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile Application "SUPPORT-T" to Increase Equitable Access to Palliative Care in Patients With Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis (PPF) and Their Caregivers
This pilot tests a 9-week digital palliative care program plus quarterly virtual support groups to see if it helps adults with progressive pulmonary fibrosis and their caregivers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 170 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT07269262 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized controlled trial compares SUPPORT-T, a 9-week digital application guided by a nurse interventionist with quarterly virtual support groups over one year, to Enhanced Usual Care for patients with progressive pulmonary fibrosis and their caregivers. Participants are recruited from rural South Carolina and urban New York City and randomized to intervention or control to test feasibility, acceptability, and accessibility. Identified caregivers are invited to participate alongside patients, and study procedures are delivered remotely with nurse facilitation. Results will inform the design of a future multi-site trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with a confirmed diagnosis of progressive pulmonary fibrosis who speak English or Spanish and can identify a willing adult caregiver (who understands English) are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without reliable internet access or comfort using digital apps, those without an English-speaking caregiver, or those with urgent medical instability may not benefit from this digitally delivered program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, SUPPORT-T could increase access to palliative support, improve symptom management and caregiver coping, and reduce isolation for people with progressive pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot and feasibility studies of digital or nurse-led palliative interventions in chronic lung disease or advanced illness have shown promise, but randomized data specifically in progressive pulmonary fibrosis are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults ≥18 years * Confirmed diagnosis of PPF * English or Spanish speaking Caregiver Inclusion Criteria: * adult, ≥ 18 years old * Designated and identified by patient as providing most of the emotional, financial, and/or physical support (i.e., the individual most involved in care, does not have to live with patient) * Able to speak and understand English. Exclusion Criteria: \-
Where this trial is running
Charleston, South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kathleen Lindell, PhD, RN, ATSF, FAAN
- Email: lindellk@musc.edu
- Phone: (843) 792-9763
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.