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SOS for Caregiver Wellbeing
Sponsor: Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Summary
Parents and caregivers of children who have a chronic condition carry a large care burden and are at higher risk of having mental health symptoms. This study aims to see if completion of a mental health questionnaire by parents / caregivers at or before the child's paediatric appointment can help identify any symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression. Following the questionnaire, parents / caregivers will be provided with the results of the questionnaire along with an information resource sheet. This will include information on anxiety, stress and depression, as well as different agencies they can contact to get support. Parents / caregivers will be followed up at 3 and 6 months to see if they have any changes to mental health and quality of life, and whether they accessed any support services. The primary aim for this trial is to see whether parents / caregivers find this process acceptable, and whether it can work in a busy hospital clinic.
Official title: SOS for Caregiver Wellbeing: Testing the Feasibility of a Screening, Outcomes and Support (SOS) Model for Parents and Caregivers of Children With Chronic Conditions
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
Any - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
100
Start Date
2025-10-22
Completion Date
2026-04-28
Last Updated
2025-11-26
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Screening, Outcomes and Referral Pathways
All participants complete baseline screening with follow up at 3 and 6 months. A key feature of the study is that a standardised information resource sheet (to community-based services) is provided to all caregivers, regardless of their screening scores. Primary outcomes focus on implementation feasibility and acceptability, while secondary outcomes examine service uptake and longitudinal measurement of caregiver wellbeing. This differs from existing research by providing resources universally rather than only to those scoring above clinical thresholds. Our longitudinal follow-up addresses an evidence gap identified in our systematic review - limited published data on downstream effects on actual service uptake and mental health outcomes over time. The services in the resource sheet also link to routine clinical care that doesn't require specialist support programs with dedicated funding.
Locations (1)
Outpatient clinics - Royal Children's Hospital
Parkville, Victoria, Australia