Innovative App Supports Caregivers of Bone Marrow Transplant Patients

A recent study from Mass General Brigham has unveiled a promising new application designed to enhance the well-being of caregivers supporting individuals undergoing bone marrow transplants (BMT). This groundbreaking research, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting and concurrently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, highlights the app's potential to significantly improve caregivers' quality of life.

The study, involving a randomized clinical trial, demonstrated that caregivers utilizing the application reported notable enhancements in their quality of life, reduced feelings of burden, and improved mood symptoms compared to those who did not use the app. Jamie Jacobs, Ph.D., a co-principal investigator of the study and a key figure at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), emphasized the mental health challenges faced by caregivers, noting high rates of depression and anxiety among them. These issues often stem from the substantial responsibilities associated with caregiving, which can disrupt personal and professional lives.

To address these challenges, Jacobs collaborated with Areej El-Jawahri, MD, to develop a supportive counseling program known as BMT-CARE. Previously shown to enhance caregiver quality of life, the program has now been translated into a digital format through the BMT-CARE App. This app offers a range of educational resources, interactive games, and video content based on evidence-based psychological techniques, providing support at every phase of the transplant process.

In the trial, 125 caregivers participated, with half receiving the app alongside standard supportive care services. On average, caregivers engaged with the app for approximately 146.9 minutes. The results were striking: those using the app experienced a higher quality of life, a reduced caregiving burden, and fewer symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within 60 days post-transplant.

Jacobs remarked on the accessibility of the BMT-CARE App, suggesting it could be a vital resource for overwhelmed caregivers who may struggle to find time, financial means, or energy to seek traditional mental health services. As the research progresses, the team is expanding the app's testing across various medical centers and among diverse caregiver populations.

This innovative digital solution could represent a significant advancement in supporting caregivers during one of the most challenging periods of their loved ones' medical journeys.