Preparing Family Caregivers to Make Medical Decisions for Their Loved Ones (NCT02429479) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Preparing Family Caregivers to Make Medical Decisions for Their Loved Ones
United States285 participantsStarted 2013-06-01
Plain-language summary
The overarching goal of the project is to improve the process and experience of surrogate decision-making by family caregivers. Since feeling unprepared to make surrogate decisions is a major contributor to caregiver stress, the primary outcome is caregiver self-efficacy --i.e., caregivers' assessment of how well prepared they feel to serve effectively as a surrogate decision-maker. Through follow-on Renewal funding, we are now also qualitatively examining family caregivers' experience with surrogate decision-making.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. 18 years of age or older
. Diagnosis of kidney disease (e.g. chronic kidney disease, end stage renal disease ) OR advanced cancer (Stage IV disease or having an estimated survival of \<2 years) OR severe heart failure (e.g. New York Heart Assoc. Class III or Class IV) OR severe lung disease (e.g. Stage III or Stage IV COPD by modified GOLD Spirometric Classification, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis).
. Able to read and understand English at an 8th grade level (word 26 on either blue or tan version of the WRAT-3 reading subtest)
. Neuro-cognitively able to engage in ACP (Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) score \>23)
. No active suicidal ideations (i.e., score of 0 or 1 on item 9 of the BDI-II).
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.