Problem-Solving Therapy for Cancer Caregivers in Outpatient Palliative Care

Over an approximately 3-week period, family caregivers randomized to the intervention study arm will learn and apply a problem-solving approach based on the ADAPT model, which encourages participants to follow five steps when solving caregiving problems: 1) focus on adopting a positive attitude to problem solving, 2) define the problem and set goals, 3) generate a list of alternative solutions to the problem, 4) predict consequences of the alternative solutions, and 5) try implementing the most promising solution from among the list of alternatives. The intervention will be delivered by a trained interventionist over the course of three structured sessions via telephone or videoconferencing technology, depending on the FCG's preference. Session content will be summarized in an intervention manual, which we will provide to all intervention participants. Sessions will last approximately 45-60 minutes.

Over an approximately 3-week period, family caregivers randomized to the attention control study arm will participate in informal conversations (friendly visits) with a trained member of the research team.

The 30 key stakeholders interviews will discuss how the PST intervention fits into existing clinical practice and institutional values, what might incentivize adoption of the PST intervention, and how the intervention compares to alternative existing or proposed programs.