Digital App Improves Caregiver Well-Being Post HSCT
Jamie Jacobs, PhD, discusses a study assessing the BMT-CARE App, a self-guided digital intervention for caregivers of patients undergoing stem cell transplant.
Caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) often experience significant declines in quality of life (QOL) and increased psychological distress. To address this, researchers developed the BMT-CARE App, a self-guided digital intervention, and evaluated its efficacy in a single-center randomized trial.
The study enrolled 125 adult caregivers of patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing HSCT, randomly assigning them to either the BMT-CARE App group (n = 62) or usual care (UC) group (n = 63). The app, utilized from before transplant up to 60 days post HSCT, featured 5 modules incorporating psychoeducation, behavior change techniques, and stress management through interactive elements, games, and videos.
At 60 days post HSCT, the primary end point of caregiver QOL, measured by the CareGiver Oncology QOL (CarGOQOL) questionnaire, showed significant improvement in the BMT-CARE App group compared to UC (76.2 vs 69.9, P =.006), surpassing the clinically meaningful difference. The intervention group also reported significantly lower caregiving burden, depression symptoms, and PTSD symptoms, alongside improved coping skills. No significant differences were observed in anxiety symptoms or self-efficacy.
These findings suggest that the BMT-CARE App, as a psychosocial digital health intervention, effectively improves QOL and reduces psychological strain in HSCT caregivers. Its accessible and scalable nature makes it a promising tool for addressing the supportive care needs of this vulnerable population.
