NCT07143357 · Massachusetts General Hospital
Mind-body Resilience Program for Cardiac Arrest Survivors and Their Caregivers: Recovering Together After Cardiac Arrest
(RT-CA)
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to pilot two resilience interventions for cardiac arrest survivors and their informal caregivers, Recovering Together after Cardiac Arrest 1 and Recovering Together after Cardiac Arrest 2 . The data the investigators gather in this study will be used to further refine the interventions.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to pilot two resilience interventions for cardiac arrest survivors and their informal caregivers, Recovering Together after Cardiac Arrest 1 and Recovering Together after Cardiac Arrest 2 . The data the investigators gather in this study will be used to further refine the interventions.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Recovering Together after Cardiac Arrest 1
The intervention will teach resiliency skills (mindfulness and coping) to dyads and provider anticipatory guidance and resources to manage stressors specific to cardiac arrest. These sessions will take place in person until the survivor is discharged; remaining sessions will occur over Zoom.
OTHER
Recovering Together after Cardiac Arrest 2
In this minimally enhanced usual care control, dyads will participate in one 30-minute session with a clinician at beside to review a pamphlet of available psychosocial resources for cardiac arrest survivors and their caregivers.
Primary outcome measures
Feasibility of Recruitment
Time frame: pre-test
Proportion of eligible dyads that consent to participation
Feasibility of Randomization
Time frame: The end of treatment at 6 weeks
Proportion of randomized participants who submit post-test assessments
Feasibility of Assessment Completion
Time frame: pre-test, the end of treatment at 6 weeks, and 3 months after the end of treatment
Proportion of participants with no assessment measures missing at pre-test, post-test, and 3 month follow-up
Feasibility of Program Adherence (RT-CA 1)
Time frame: the end of treatment at 6 weeks
Proportion of RT-CA 1 dyads that initiate the program by attending session 1 and complete at least 4 of 6 sessions.
Therapist Fidelity
Time frame: the end of treatment at 6 weeks
Proportion of 20% randomly-selected RT-CA 1 sessions in which the therapist fully adheres to program content, ascertained by a fidelity checklist
Treatment Satisfaction (RT-CA 1)
Time frame: the end of treatment at 6 weeks
Proportion of RT-CA 1 participants that endorse satisfaction, defined as above the midpoint on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-3
Credibility (RT-CA 1)
Time frame: pre-test
Proportion of RT-CA 1 participants that endorse program credibility at pre-test, defined as scoring above the midpoint on the Credibility sub scale of the Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire which is scored from 3-27; higher scores indicate greater credibility.
Expectancy (RT-CA 1)
Time frame: pre-test
Proportion of RT-CA 1 participants that endorse expectancy to improve. from the program at pre-test, defined as scoring above the midpoint on the Expectancy sub scale of the Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire which is scored from 3-27; higher scores indicate greater expectancy.
Study safety
Time frame: at the end of treatment at 6 weeks and 3 months after the end of treatment
The proportion of participants that report no adverse events related to study participation.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Out-of-hospital or in-hospital CA survivor (must have new diagnosis of "cardiac arrest" in electronic medical record from index hospitalization with documented loss of pulse) with an identified caregiver (identified by the survivor who is their primary source of emotional and functional support)
- survivor must score \>5 on Short Form of the Mini Mental State Exam for sufficient cognitive function for meaningful participation
- ability and willingness to participate in a hybrid in-person/live video intervention
- English speaking adults (18 year or older)
- at least one member of the dyad endorses clinically significant emotional distress during screening (\>7 on either of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale subscales).
Exclusion criteria
- active psychosis, mania, substance dependence, or suicidal intent or plan that would require a higher level of care
- any other psychiatric or neurological condition that would preclude meaningful participation
- the caregiver must not be a cardiac arrest survivor
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
- New York, New York
Collaborators
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 7, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations