Feasibility Pilot of Acceptance and Mindfulness Based Exposure Therapy for Survivors of Cardiac Arrest

Detailed Summary

The primary goal of this uncontrolled pilot trial is to examine feasibility, acceptability, safety, and preliminary efficacy of a new behavioral treatment for survivors of sudden cardiac arrest with clinically elevated symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants will be recruited among cardiac arrest survivors enrolled in the observational CANOE research study (CUIMC IRB# AAAR8497). Study participants will be interviewed about their symptoms and evaluated for baseline assessment before receiving eight weekly sessions of an acceptance and mindfulness-based exposure therapy (AMBET). Participants will be additionally evaluated at treatment mid-point (week 4), and at the end of treatment. The treatment and all assessments will be conducted remotely via Zoom. To assess whether patients' physical activity is improved over the course of treatment, participants will be provided with a wearable device (Fitbit wristband) to monitor their physical activity. The specific aims of this study are to: (1) develop an acceptable protocol for an AMBET intervention for survivors of sudden cardiac arrest with elevated PTSD symptoms (2) examine its safety and feasibility in a small sample of 14 patients (3) investigate acceptability and feasibility of the assessments and measurements including physical activity.

Study Details

Timeline

Interventions