Research

Care Dimensions encourages and supports organizational involvement in research initiatives that lead to improved quality of care provided to patients and families through the contribution of new knowledge.

Director of Research Caitlin Brennan, PhD, APRN, leads our research initiatives and is assisted by Research Fellow Cassandra Godzik, PhD, PMHNP-BC, and Research Associate Morgan Murphy, BS. If you are an investigator interested in conducting your research at our agency, please email: [email protected] to begin the application process.

Current Collaborative Work

Psilocybin-assisted therapy for Demoralization in Patients receiving Hospice Care (PATH Study)

Care Dimensions and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are pioneering research on psilocybin-assisted therapy to alleviate demoralization in patients receiving home hospice care. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic drug produced by more than 200 species of mushrooms, which is manufactured for medical use to control potency and purity. Psilocybin induces profound and short-term changes in sensory perception (how you see, hear, and feel things), emotion, thought, and sense of self. In a supportive medical context, this effect is safe and may improve anxiety, depression, and demoralization in people with serious illness.

This study will specifically assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of this intervention in patients receiving hospice care. Volunteers who participate in this study will receive careful medical and psychological screening, preparation, and educational materials about the study’s details. If you or your loved at Care Dimensions are interested in learning more, please contact us at [email protected].

Principal Investigator: Yvan Beaussant, MD, MSc
Co-investigators: Dr. Zachary Sager, MD, Ilana M Braun, MD; Caitlin W. Brennan PhD, APRN; Susan Lysaght Hurley, PhD, GNP-BC; Alden Rinaldi, MD; Justin Sanders, MD, MSc; James A. Tulsky, MD; Alifia Waliji-Banglawala, PharmD
Funding Sponsors: The Usona Institute, the Heffter Research Institute, and the Oppenheimer Family Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care Research Grants Program.

A Home Transfusion Program for Patients with Advanced Hematologic Malignancies (HEME-Hospice)

Care Dimensions and Dana Farber Cancer Institute are spearheading research to expand access to home hospice care for patients with blood cancers. Lack of access to blood transfusions is a key barrier to hospice use for people with blood cancers. Transfusions palliate symptoms and improve quality of life for blood cancer patients, but patients are currently forced to choose between preserving access to vital palliative transfusions, or accessing high quality home-based hospice care. The goal of this study is to give blood cancer patients access to the benefits of both home-based hospice care and palliative blood transfusions. 

This study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of a hospice-embedded home transfusion program. The home transfusion program includes dedicated home transfusion nurses who transfuse blood products in the home setting in accordance with AABB guidelines. Transfusions are given in response to symptoms most important to patients with blood cancers including fatigue, dyspnea, and bleeding. Family caregivers can also volunteer to provide feedback. If you or your loved one are interested in learning more, please contact us at [email protected].

Principal Investigator: Oreofe Odejide, MD, MPH
Co-investigators: Caitlin W. Brennan, PhD, APRN; Jennifer Holter-Chakrabarty, MD; Richard Kaufman, MD; Haiden Huskamp, PhD; Hajime Uno, PhD; Charlotta Lindvall, MD, PhD
Funding Sponsor: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Recently Completed Collaborations

The Hospice Advanced Dementia Symptom Management and Quality of Life Trial (HAS-QOL): R33 Phase
 

This study focuses on quality improvement via the implementation of Aliviado Dementia Care, a dementia symptom management and quality of life training for members of the hospice interdisciplinary team. A total of 25 hospice agencies will be participating in this study across the United States. The goal is to improve quality of care for the person living with dementia and their caregiver, reduce antipsychotic medication use, and increase caregiver satisfaction.

Principal Investigator: Abraham (Ab) Brody, PhD, RN, FAAN
Funding Sponsor: National Institutes of Health
Timeline: January 2020-December 2023
Website: https://nursing.nyu.edu/research/project/hospice-advanced-dementia-symptom-management-and-quality-life-trial-has-qol

Interactions Among Adolescents with a Parent in Hospice and the Hospice Care Team

This study aims to develop evidenced-based approaches to supporting adolescents with a parent or guardian receiving hospice or palliative care. Eligible participants include young adults aged 18-30 who experienced a parental death during adolescence (ages 12-17) whose parent was receiving hospice or palliative care at the time of their death. Participants complete a Coping and Communication Questionnaire and a virtual 45-60 minute interview about their experience. All participants receive a $50 Amazon e-gift card after the completion of the interview. For questions or to enroll in the study, please contact Kristen DeBois (Project Coordinator) at [email protected].

Principal Investigator: Denice Sheehan, Interim Dean and Professor Kent State University College of Nursing
Funding Sponsor: National Institute of Nursing Research
Timeline:  Spring 2020 – Spring 2022