5 research outputs found
a pilot study
Background Parents caring for a child with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) are at high
risk for psychological distress and have limited access to psychological care.
Therefore, a web-based psychological support program for severely distressed
parents of children with CF (WEP-CARE) was developed and evaluated for its
feasibility and efficacy. Methods A clinical expert panel developed WEP-CARE
based on principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy. This web-based writing
therapy comprises nine sessions, tailored for the specific needs of
caregivers. The pilot study was conducted as a single-group intervention with
pre-post-follow-up design. Out of 31 participants, 23 parents completed the
intervention (21 female; mean age 37 years; SD = 6.2 years, range 25 – 48
years). Psychological symptoms and quality of life were assessed online by
self-report measures at pre- and post-treatment and were followed up three
months later. Results On average, the caregivers’ symptoms of anxiety
decreased statistically significant and clinical relevant about five points
from an elevated (M = 11.4; SD =2.6) to a normal level (M = 6.7; SD = 2.6; p <
.001) between pre and post treatment. Fear of disease progression (p < .001)
and symptoms of depression (p = .02) significantly decreased as well. Quality
of life significantly improved (p = .01). The effects were maintained at the
3-months follow-up assessment. Conclusions WEP-CARE is feasible and promising
regarding its efficacy to improve parental mental health and quality of life
Cochrane corner: psychological interventions for individuals with cystic fibrosis and their families
Psychological issues associated with cystic fibrosis may arise from the patients’ lifelong disease- and treatment-related burden. This Cochrane Review aimed to determine psychosocial and physical outcomes of psychological interventions. Trial registries, databases and professional networks were used to identify relevant studies. Altogether, 16 studies involving 556 participants were included. They were heterogeneous in their methods, design, target groups, and outcomes. Overall, the current evidence for psychological interventions is insufficient. Preliminary evidence was available for interventions targeting specific aspects of the treatment regimen, such as behavioural nutrition interventions