Easing Scan Anxiety in Pediatric Oncology Caregivers Through Meditation-based Programs

Summary

"Scanxiety" is a term coined to describe anxiety related to imaging during cancer treatment and has not been robustly studied in pediatric oncology caregivers. Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a meditation-based program that offers a non-pharmacologic approach to managing stress. The main purposes of this study are two-fold: 1). to determine if scanxiety exists in the caregivers of pediatric oncology patients and 2.) if scanxiety is found, does the implementation of a mindfulness program help to improve caregiver anxiety related to imaging.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Able to understand spoken English and be able to read written English
* 18 years of age or older
* Able to understand and willing to sign informed consent document
* Have access to a smart phone or tablet device that is able to receive texts
* Is a caregiver of any age oncology patient (including patients above 18 years of age)
* Caregiver of a patient that is scheduled for a routine scan (CT's, MRI's, PET scans) within the upcoming 3 months
* If assigned to the Phase 2 intervention group, willing and able to eat a raisin (a box of which will be mailed to home address)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Oncology patient is of adult age and caring for self
* Medically-diagnosed cognitive delay in caregiver (by self-disclosure in eligibility questionnaire)
* Upcoming scan is due to concern for relapse/disease recurrence and is urgent
* Upcoming scan is part of initial oncology work-up
* Any non-routine surveillance scan

Conditions5

Locations1 site

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