The Feasibility and Acceptability of a Needs-Oriented Psychoeducational Intervention Among Caregivers of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Little is known about the psychoeducational interventions for caregivers of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a needs-oriented psychoeducational intervention among caregivers of AYA cancer patients. In this 2-arm (parallel-group), pilot randomized controlled trial, participants were randomized to the intervention or control group. Participants in the control group received usual care, whereas those in the intervention group received a needs-oriented psychoeducational intervention via WeChat as well as the usual care. Feasibility was evaluated on recruitment, attrition, and adherence rates and the data collection process. Acceptability was assessed based on participants' satisfaction with and perceived usefulness of the intervention, collected using a questionnaire. In addition, a semistructured interview was conducted to explore their experiences. Twenty-four caregivers of AYA cancer patients were recruited, with a consent rate of 61.5%. The attrition and response rates 5 weeks after baseline were 8.3% and 91.7%. Among the 12 participants in the intervention group, 10 (83.3%) completed all of the 5 weekly sessions. Most of the participants were satisfied with the program and perceived its usefulness. The semistructured interviews revealed 3 major categories: facilitators of participation, perception of the intervention, and perceived benefits. The needs-oriented psychoeducational intervention delivered through WeChat is feasible for and acceptable to caregivers of AYA cancer patients. A full-scale study is warranted to examine the effects of this intervention on caregivers' health outcomes. The WeChat-based, needs-oriented psychoeducational intervention may be beneficial to improve caregivers' health outcomes.