Graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) is a disease phenomenon that occurs when immune cells of the donor recognize and attack healthy tissue within the transplant recipient, or host. It is ultimately the result of the same immunological mechanisms that provide benefit to patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In patients with hematologic malignancies, HSCT can be therapeutic, as donor T cells recognize and mount a response against cancerous cells. HSCT is also used in the setting of certain immunodeficiencies and inborn errors of metabolism for which therapeutic benefit is found in immunologic repletion. To our knowledge, support groups have yet to be investigated in academic literature as a nonpharmacologic, therapeutic intervention for cutaneous GVHD patients to improve their distress, systemic disease, and quality of life. Given the dearth of research on nonpharmacologic therapies for cutaneous GVHD that address quality of life impairments, we seek to characterize the effect of an expressive writing and peer helping intervention contextualized within the framework of a support group. The primary goal of this study is to provide preliminary efficacy data of expressive writing as an intervention in patients with cutaneous GVHD to trial.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
3
Creative writing, discussion and social support, in a group setting via videoconference
Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Change in Dermatology Life Quality Index scores
Measured at baseline and post completion of the 4 week expressive writing sessions
Time frame: 4 weeks
Change in Short Form-36 scores
Measured at baseline and post completion of the 4 week expressive writing sessions
Time frame: 4 weeks
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