Feasibility of a Multi-Component Strengths-Building Intervention for Caregivers of Persons With Heart Failure

J Appl Gerontol. 2023 Dec;42(12):2371-2382. doi: 10.1177/07334648231191595. Epub 2023 Sep 14.

Abstract

Caregivers of persons with heart failure (HF) navigate complex care plans, yet support strategies often focus solely on meeting the needs of patients. We conducted a randomized waitlist control trial (N = 38) to test the feasibility and gauge initial effect size of the Caregiver Support intervention on quality of life, caregiver burden, and self-efficacy among HF caregivers. The intervention includes up to five remote, nurse-facilitated sessions. Components address: holistic caregiver assessment, life purpose, action planning, resources, and future planning. Caregivers were 93.3% female, 60% White, and 63.3% spouses. Average age was 59.4. Participants who completed the intervention reported high satisfaction and acceptability of activities. Between-group effect sizes at 16 and 32 weeks suggest improvement in quality of life (mental health) (.88; 1.08), caregiver burden (.31; .37), and self-efficacy (.63; .74). Caregivers found Caregiver Support acceptable and feasible. Findings contribute evidence that this intervention can enhance caregiver outcomes. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT04090749.

Keywords: caregiver; heart failure; intervention.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Heart Failure* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Quality of Life* / psychology

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT04090749