Clinical Trial: Feasibility Testing of a Hospice Family Caregiver Intervention to Improve Patient Dyspnea Care

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Feasibility Testing of a Hospice Family Caregiver Intervention to Improve Patient Dyspnea Care

Brief Summary: This study is a pilot test of an intervention to train family caregivers of home hospice patients about recognizing and treating shortness of breath.

Detailed Summary:

Shortness of breath is a prevalent symptom causing distress among patients at the end of life. In home hospice care family caregivers are expected to assist their family member with symptom management. This is often accomplished with little or no training.

The investigators have developed a bundle of training materials targeted for family caregivers of home hospice patients at risk for shortness of breath. The investigators will pilot test the intervention in this clinical trial. A future randomized clinical trial is planned and the evidence from this pilot will enhance the planning of that future trial.


Sponsor: Wayne State University

Current Primary Outcome: Change in patient respiratory comfort [ Time Frame: Baseline and up to four weeks until patient death ]

The Respiratory Distress Observation Scale will be used to measure patient respiratory comfort at enrollment (baseline), twice each week during the study until patient death.


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Family caregiver burden index [ Time Frame: Baseline and participants will be followed for an average of 4 weeks until date of death ]

The Modified Caregiver Strain Index


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Wayne State University

Dates:
Date Received: April 30, 2015
Date Started: October 15, 2015
Date Completion: December 2017
Last Updated: April 17, 2017
Last Verified: April 2017