BOLSTER: Building Out Lifelines for Safety, Trust, Empowerment and Renewal

Hospitalizations can be difficult for patients with cancer, especially when they are
transitioning home. Patients and caregivers are often expected to perform complex medical and
nursing tasks with little or no preparation. Patients and caregivers report high levels of
unmet needs for information about how best to manage symptoms and new medical procedures
(such as managing new tubes, lines or drains).

The study team has developed a research project which aims to address these needs. If a
patient agrees to participate in the study, she will take part in a program called BOLSTER
(Building Out Lifelines for Safety, Trust, Empowerment and Renewal). BOLSTER will provide
patients and caregivers with education and skills training, symptom management, and support
across care settings.

Patient eligibility criteria

- adults (≥18 years old);

- ovarian cancer receiving anti-neoplastic therapy;

- Hospitalized;

- Plan to receive ongoing care at DFCI;

- Willingness to be audio taped for the study (for monitoring of study fidelity).

Patient exclusion criteria

- Unable to read and respond to questions in English;

- Cognitive impairment;

- Unable to complete the baseline interview;

- Plan for immediate hospice referral

Caregiver eligibility criteria

- Adults (≥18 years old);

- Family member or friend of an eligible patient;

- Willingness to be audio taped for the study (for monitoring of study fidelity).

Caregiver exclusion criteria:

- Unable to read and respond to questions in English,

- Cognitive impairment

- Unable to complete the baseline interview