“We Are Not Alone”: Virtual Meaning-Centered Group Psychotherapy for Caregivers of Advanced Cancer Patients

Key Message : Discover the value of group-delivery of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP-C) for caregivers supporting advanced cancer patients. We share our feasibility and acceptability findings, compelling caregiver narratives about their experiences with the intervention, and actionable strategies for integrating this evidence-based support into care. Join us to advance caregiver well-being and transform practice.

Abstract: Background/Rationale: Family caregivers supporting patients with advanced cancer receive limited psychosocial support and are at heightened risk for anxiety, depression, and existential distress. Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C) 1–4 is an evidence-based, palliative-informed intervention designed to mitigate these symptoms. While MCP-C studies suggest positive outcomes, feasibility and effectiveness in a group delivery format have not been examined.
Objectives/

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of group MCP-C for caregivers of patients with advanced cancer and to describe their MCP-C experiences.
Methods/Approach: Caregivers of patients with stage III/IV solid tumors participated in eight weekly MCP-C group sessions (4-7 per group) co-facilitated via Zoom by a trained palliative care nurse practitioner and social worker. We assessed feasibility via recruitment and attendance metrics, and acceptability through the “Was it Worth It” survey and individual qualitative interviews. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data.

Results: Of 73 caregivers approached, 30 (41%) enrolled, and 22 participants (4 groups) completed the intervention to date. Most caregivers (M = 61 years) were women (86%) and spouses of the patient. Attendance was strong, with 86% (19/22) of caregivers attending ≥75% of the sessions offered. Nearly all participants rated MCP-C as worthwhile and would participate again. Qualitative data suggested the greatest value was connection with other caregivers, emphasizing that “not feeling alone” was the most important aspect of the experience. Other benefits included enhanced self-awareness, understanding of self-care, appreciation of personal legacy, and greater present moment awareness. Telehealth delivery was well-received. Some participants desired ongoing opportunities to connect after program completion.
Conclusion/Implications: Virtual group MCP-C is feasible, acceptable and offers meaningful psychosocial benefits for caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. These preliminary findings support further evaluation of group-based approaches to enhance caregiver support across a spectrum of caregiving roles and experiences.

References: References
1. Applebaum AJ. Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers: Therapist Manual and Caregiver Workbook by Applebaum, Allison J.; Breitbart, William: New (2024) | GF Books, Inc. GF Books, Inc; 2024. Accessed July 11, 2024. https://www.abebooks.com/9780197640777/Meaning-Centered-Psychotherapy-Cancer-Caregivers-Therapist-019764077X/plp
2. Applebaum AJ, Kulikowski JR, Breitbart W. Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C): Rationale and Overview. Palliat Support Care. 2015;13(6):1631-1641. doi:10.1017/S1478951515000450
3. Applebaum AJ, Roberts KE, Lynch K, et al. A qualitative exploration of the feasibility and acceptability of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers. Palliat Support Care. Published online January 26, 2022:1-7. doi:10.1017/S1478951521002030
4. Applebaum AJ, Baser RE, Roberts KE, et al. Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers: A pilot trial among caregivers of patients with glioblastoma multiforme. Transl Behav Med. 2022;July 19, 2022:12. doi:doi.org/10.1093/tbm/ibac043