A program for caregivers of hospice patients

Admission to hospice services in the United States can be a sudden and unanticipated event for families and caregivers who experience high levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Johnson's theory of self-regulation explains heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms to be the result of a poorly formed cognitive schema for this new experience. In addition, family caregivers report they want to know how to help their loved one but do not have the skills for this new role. Therefore, self-regulation and role theories were combined to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a theory-based intervention for family caregivers of loved ones newly admitted to hospice (ESI-CH). Secondary aims were to: a) evaluate recruitment and retention strategies, b) evaluate preliminary effects of ESI-CH, and c) examine the relationships among the outcome variables.;A pre-experimental one-group pre- post- design was used for 18 family caregivers of loved ones newly admitted to hospice. Twelve participants completed the ESI-CH. Outcome measures included: a) depression, b) anxiety, c) activity restriction, d) preparedness, e) participation in the care of their loved one, and f) beliefs/confidence.;Overall, caregivers reported that they enjoyed the program, reported that the timing of the program was "just right," and were glad to "know what to expect" and "to be better prepared if something happens." There was a significant effect in increasing preparedness and beliefs/confidence in caregivers following the intervention In addition, a small positive effect was found for the intervention on anxiety and medium positive effects for the intervention on preparedness and beliefs/confidence.;This pilot study provides evidence to support the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of ESI-CH for family caregivers of loved ones newly admitted to hospice. The results from this study will inform future operational refinements to the intervention and testing of the ESI-CH in a randomized controlled trial with an attention control group.