Novel Couple-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Purpose
The overall objective of this study is to learn whether a newly developed couple-based mindfulness program (Mindful PaCT) is practical to complete (feasible), helpful and well-received (acceptable), and relevant for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and their partners.
Conditions
- Colorectal Cancer
- Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
Eligibility
- Eligible Ages
- Between 18 Years and 85 Years
- Eligible Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- Provision to sign and date the consent form. - Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study. - Be aged > 18 years to 85. - Fluent in English language. All study materials, including the informed consent form, participant workbooks, and questionnaires, are currently available only in English. Participation requires the ability to independently read and engage with written study materials (including the participant workbook), which are integral to the intervention session content and home practices. Therefore, individuals who are unable to read study materials in English are not eligible to participate. At this time, the intervention has not been translated or validated in other languages, therefore participation is limited to individuals who can read, speak, and understand English to ensure that participants are able to fully engage with study activities. - Be a person (i.e., patient) diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) or a partner (e.g., spouse) of someone diagnosed with mCRC. - Indicates a score >0 on the Distress Thermometer - Has access to computer/internet through with video-conferencing (phone, laptop, tablet, desktop computer) Additional eligibility criteria include: Additional patient participant inclusion criteria: - Has a current diagnosis of metastatic (Stage IV, recurrent) colorectal cancer - Has an ECOG status <2 or otherwise deemed appropriate for study participation by a clinician - Is in a committed relationship with a romantic partner for >6 months. Monogamy is not required for eligibility; however, in cases of polyamorous relationships, the patient will designate a primary partner for participation in the study. Additional partner participant inclusion criteria: • Has been in a committed relationship >6 months with a patient who meets the above eligibility criteria Eligibility for relationship status will be self-reported by participants during recruitment.
Exclusion Criteria
- One or both members of the couple has an active or poorly controlled serious mental illness (e.g., psychotic disorder), cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia), or medical condition (e.g., significant impaired sight/hearing) that would compromise participation. - The couple is currently in active couples (e.g., marital) therapy together. Participants who are physically or mentally too ill to participate or those with major cognitive impairments are excluded because they may not be able to engage with intervention sessions, surveys. No exclusions will be made based on sexual orientation, race, gender, or other sociodemographic features. Because patients with mCRC are living longer, and patients and partners can experience distress at various times since their diagnosis, we do not limit participation by time since diagnosis.
Study Design
- Phase
- N/A
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel Assignment
- Primary Purpose
- Supportive Care
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Arm Groups
| Arm | Description | Assigned Intervention |
|---|---|---|
|
Experimental Mindful PaCT |
Patient-partner dyads assigned to this arm receive Mindful PaCT, a couple-based mindfulness program delivered through four weekly, 60- to 75-minute sessions via secure videoconferencing. Sessions are facilitated by a trained interventionist. Couples also receive a program workbook and access to supplemental audio and video mindfulness practices for use between sessions. |
|
|
Placebo Comparator Wellness PACT |
Patient-partner dyads assigned to this arm receive Wellness PaCT, a couple-based educational program delivered through four weekly, 60- to 75-minute sessions via secure videoconferencing. Sessions are facilitated by a trained interventionist and address general wellness, sleep and fatigue, diet and nutrition, and exercise and physical activity. Couples also receive a program workbook and supplemental educational resources for use between sessions. |
|
Recruiting Locations
University of Colorado Hospital
Aurora, Colorado 80045
Aurora, Colorado 80045
More Details
- Status
- Recruiting
- Sponsor
- University of Colorado, Denver
Detailed Description
Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) causes significant distress in patients and partners. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can reduce distress but existing MBIs have limitations for mCRC couples. An MBI tailored to mCRC couples' needs and delivered via video-conferencing could remedy such limitations and reduce distress in this population. This new intervention, called Mindful PaCT, has been preliminarily developed and now needs to be assessed for feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary psychosocial effects.