Cancer coaching and remote education for self-empowerment (CARES): A single-arm feasibility study among pancreatic cancer patient-caregiver dyads.

301 Background: Individuals with pancreatic cancer (PC) experience significant symptom burden. Caregivers of individuals with PC play a key role in supporting patients during their cancer care. Interventions, such as coaching and education, can improve self-efficacy and quality of life for patients and their caregivers; however, these interventions have been understudied, particularly in PC. Methods: We conducted a single-arm feasibility study of the CARES intervention, a 12-week self-management education and coaching program, Osara Health, for PC patient-caregiver dyads. 90-minute telephone sessions focused on symptom management, exercise, diet, sleep, and mindfulness; caregiver sessions were aimed at managing caregiving tasks and caregiver wellbeing/confidence. Individual surveys measuring acceptability and satisfaction with the intervention were collected, as well as an optional feedback interview. Results: 10 dyads participated in this study, 80% were retained. Among those retained (n = 8), all 100% reported satisfaction with the overall intervention. Median Likert scale (range 1-5) responses indicated participants were completely empowered/engaged (5), supported (5), enabled to have conversations with the medical team (5), and enabled to manage symptoms (4.5) due to the program. Participants were highly likely to recommend the program to a friend/colleague (Likert median 10/10). The program was reported to reduce stress (median score 4/5) related to cancer diagnosis. Of the 5 patients who completed surveys, positive changes were noted in the following areas: symptom tracking (20%), exercise (40%), diet (80%), sleep (60%), and living well with cancer (40%). Caregivers reported complete empowerment and confidence (Likert median 5/5), citing higher confidence in caregiving and improved caregiver wellbeing. Interview responses are included in Table 1. Conclusions: Overall, PC patients/caregivers reported high satisfaction with the coaching intervention, noting positive change in symptom management and emotional support. Future studies are needed to refine and test the intervention in a larger trial. Theme Quotation Emotional support “The coach made me feel heard and validated.” – Patient Comprehensive and trustworthy information “…all the information put together in one place and getting information I know is accurate...” – Patient Convenience “I appreciated that the coaching calls were over the phone.”- Patient Flexibility “People can choose what they need out of it and what they want to discuss.” – Caregiver Giving caregivers permission to focus on their health and well-being “It is kind of like giving you permission to, you know, think about yourself a little.” – Caregiver Recommendations “It would be great if they could do group calls.” -Patient