Could a facebook group ease the emotional toll on hospice caregivers?
NCT ID NCT07764432
First seen Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether an online support group with a focus on communication skills can reduce depression and anxiety in family caregivers of hospice cancer patients. Caregivers are randomly assigned to usual hospice care, an online support group without communication training, or the CHOOSE intervention that includes communication strategies. The trial measures changes in depression and anxiety scores over time to see if the added support makes a difference.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Online support group with communication-focused strategies (CHOOSE intervention) compared to usual hospice care or an online support group without communication training.
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this approach could offer a simple, scalable way to improve emotional well-being for family caregivers of hospice cancer patients.
- What could go wrong
- The trial is relatively early and relies on self-reported outcomes; results may not apply to all caregivers or settings. Online interventions may have variable engagement.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 567 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Feb 2027
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Eligibility Criteria: * Family caregiver of cancer patient receiving hospice care from an affiliated hospice organization. Only 1 FCG per patient may be enrolled. * At least 18 years of age. * Can speak and understand English. * Able to access the internet. * Has a Facebook account or is willing to create a Facebook account in order to be in this study
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Get notified about this study
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
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