This study investigates the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of enCompass Humana, a social support intervention for caregivers of patients with cancer and diabetes. The enCompass program aims to improve support for these caregivers through a randomized feasibility study of a pilot-tested coaching and navigation program. Caregiver services and system-level support are essential, but successful interventions for cancer caregivers are rarely standardized or systematically disseminated. Consequently, many programs do not reach the most underserved caregivers. Challenges to implementation include substantial clinical staff involvement, lack of dissemination and implementation information, and failure to tailor interventions to rural contexts. Despite the lack of standardized supportive interventions, national reports and legislative efforts increasingly recognize the need to support caregivers. Caregivers reported unmet needs in all domains of social support, including instrumental help (e.g., in-home help, housekeeping), logistical and coordination support (e.g., food delivery, accompanying patients to appointments), information about illness and progression, emotional support, self-care guidance, and financial assistance (e.g., parking costs, lost wages). Caregivers show high interest in services but cited uncertainty and lack of strategies for accessing resources. Many are unaware of existing services. Interviews with oncology clinicians and healthcare administrators revealed similar findings: resources exist, but there is no system to match them with caregivers' needs. Preliminary data suggest the intervention improves caregiver coping self-efficacy and reduces anxiety and depression in patients. With input from stakeholders, including caregivers, patients, family caregiving experts, and clinical care experts, the study team adapted the CARING application into enCompass to mitigate structural barriers and normalize support-seeking. The long-term goal is to adapt this psychosocial support program to increase self-efficacy, support-seeking, and reduce loneliness among caregivers. It is hypothesized that enCompass will build self-efficacy and coping skills, serving caregivers throughout the patient's illness and complications.
Age range
18 Years – 99 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.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Acceptability of the Intervention Measure (AIM)
Timeframe: 8 weeks