A Clinical Trial on a Group Treatment for Distressed Caregivers of Cancer Patients

Addressing the Hidden Patient - A Randomised-controlled Trial of a Tailored Group Intervention for Caregivers of Cancer Patients (PREPARE)

Background and study aims: Being a caregiver for someone with cancer can be very difficult emotionally. For many the patient is a family member or friend, and so this can cause the caregiver a great deal of psychological distress. There are currently very few studies looking into the effectiveness of psychological treatments for distressed caregivers of cancer patients. This study is looking at tailored group therapy program for carers of cancer givers. The aim of this study is to find out whether this program can help to lower levels of distress in cancer caregivers and help them to better cope with caring for someone with the illness.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Time since initial diagnosis (of patient) not longer than six months previously
2. Significant distress against the background of the cancer disease (QSC-R10C exceeding 16 points)
3. Provision of informed consent
4. Aged 18 or over, either gender

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to give informed consent
2. Insufficient German language knowledge
3. Cognitive impairment impeding handling of questionnaires
4. Severe psychiatric disease (acute psychosis or acute suicidality)