Enhancing caregivers self-management for their children who require medical technology: A feasibility study for the COPE-STAR intervention

Abstract

PurposeTo test feasibility of the Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment: Symptom and Technology Management Resources intervention for caregivers of children who require medical technologies of tracheostomies and feeding tubes. Design and methodsQuasi-experimental one group design with measures at baseline and at 4 weeks. Intervention feasibility was tested from August 2019–June 2021, including recruitment, retention, and adherence, and caregiver satisfaction. Caregiver and child characteristics and outcomes were assessed. ResultsCaregivers were enrolled (n = 22) and completed (n = 16) the study. Caregivers were primarily female (n = 21), were predominately Caucasian (n = 14, 64%) followed by African-American (n = 8, 36%), and Non-Hispanic/Latino (n = 18, 82%). Feasibility indicators of recruitment (92%), retention (73%), and adherence (100%) were satisfactory. Outcome measures of management of child's chronic condition, caregiver beliefs about managing their child's symptoms and medical technology, anxiety, and depressive symptoms remained stable. Caregivers agreed that the intervention was useful, easy to use, and acceptable, and had positive feedback. ConclusionsThis is a feasible and acceptable intervention. With further development and efficacy testing, the intervention has potential for use and expansion to a larger population of caregivers of children who require medical technology. Practice implicationsChildren who require medical technology have multiple complex chronic conditions and complex care needs at home. This intensive and focused care is provided by informal caregivers who need education and resources for their child's care. This intervention addressed caregiver management of common symptoms and medical technologies of children in the home setting.