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Research: SIKORSHII and COLLEAGUES,
Listed in Issue 262
Abstract
SIKORSHII and COLLEAGUES, 1. University of Arizona College of Nursing, Tucson, Arizona; 2. Michigan State University College of Nursing, East Lansing, Michigan; 3. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Evanston, Illinois.
Background
The authors set out to improve symptom management among cancer patients using SMART design.
Methodology
In this in-progress sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART), dyads of solid tumour cancer patients and their caregivers are initially randomized to 4 weeks of reflexology or meditative (mindfulness) practices provided by/with their caregiver in the patient's home or to a control group.
Results
After 4 weeks, intervention group dyads in which patients do not show improvement in fatigue (non-responders) are re-randomized to either receive additional time with the same therapy during weeks 5-8 or to add the other therapy. The aims are (1) to compare reflexology and meditative practices groups during weeks 1-4 on patients' fatigue severity, summed symptom inventory score, depressive symptoms, and anxiety, so as to determine the relative effectiveness of these therapies and the characteristics of responders and non-responders to each therapy. (2) Among reflexology non-responders based on fatigue score at week 4, to determine patient symptom outcomes when meditative practices are added during weeks 5-8, versus continuing with reflexology alone. (3) Among meditative practices non-responders based on fatigue score at week 4, to determine patient symptom outcomes when reflexology is added during weeks 5-8, versus continuing with meditative practices alone. (4) To compare improvements in patient symptom outcomes among the three groups created by the first randomization. (5) To explore which dyadic characteristics are associated with optimal patient symptom outcomes, to determine tailoring variables for decision rules of future interventions.
Conclusion
The trial has a target of 331 dyads post-attrition and has 150 dyads enrolled. We are overcoming challenges with dyadic recruitment and retention while maintaining fidelity.
References
Sikorskii A1, Wyatt G2, Lehto R2, Victorson D3, Badger T1, Pace T1. Using SMART design to improve symptom management among cancer patients: A study protocol. Res Nurs Health. 40(6):501-511. Dec 2017. doi: 10.1002/nur.21836. Epub Nov 11 2017.
