BRIGHT IDEAS PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS TRAINING FOR CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN
WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE: A TWO-SITE PILOT FEASIBILITY TRIAL
Abstract
Bright IDEAS Problem-Solving Skills Training (BI) is an evidence-based
behavioral intervention that has been utilized extensively with
caregivers of children recently diagnosed with cancer. Considerable
evidence has shown that BI is acceptable to caregivers and improvements
in problem-solving skills mediate reduced symptoms of distress; and it
is most effective with single, minority caregivers. A slightly modified
version of BI was offered to caregivers of children with sickle cell
disease (SCD) in a two-site pilot feasibility trial. BI was modified to
reduce barriers to care, logistical challenges, and stigma associated
with receiving behavioral health services. Our goal was to establish
high rates of recruitment and retention amongst caregivers of children
with SCD. Recruitment was acceptable (94%; N = 72) and retention
reasonable (48.6%) across both sites with 35 caregivers successfully
completing the BI program. Results showed that caregivers of children
with SCD, who successfully completed the BI program reported,
significant improvements in problem-solving skills immediately and three
months post-intervention completion. Interestingly, initial levels of
distress were low with few caregivers reporting clinically significant
levels of distress; distress remained low over time. Findings are
discussed in the context of psychosocial screening and assumptions
regarding caregivers of children with SCD.