NCT05064969

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Informal Caregivers of People With Dementia

A Blended Intervention Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Informal Caregivers of People With Dementia- A Mixed-method Approach to Evaluate Feasibility, Acceptability and Preliminary Effectiveness

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (actual)
• Sponsor: Maastricht University Medical Center · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Dementia has a major impact on people with dementia and their family. Informal caregivers of people with dementia are at higher risk of developing depressive symptoms compared to informal caregivers of people with other chronic diseases. Therefore, supporting this group of informal caregivers is particularly important. With an online program based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), this study supports caregivers of people with dementia to lead a more meaningful and less stressful life. In addition to following the online program, caregivers are supported weekly by a coach, who helps to set goals, map important values in life, and take actions in relevant areas. The current study aims to examine the (1) feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and its procedure and; (2) preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on clinical outcomes (e.g. psychological flexibility and self-competence); and (3) maintenance of change after the intervention in short-and long-term follow-ups. This study includes a single-arm, non-randomized trial with a baseline assessment, a 9-week internet-based intervention period, a post-intervention assessment, and two follow-ups at 3 and 6 months. ACT is a promising form of therapy that has previously been shown to be effective in increasing the mental well-being of caregivers. However, this is the first study to combine online ACT modules, goal-setting, and weekly coaching for informal caregivers of people with dementia.

Conditions

• No Specific Conditions

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Blended intervention based in acceptance and commitment therapy	Blended intervention includes completing 9 e-modules consist of written material, videos, and assignments (one e-module per week) that can be completed over 9 to 12 weeks AND 9 (to 12 ) coaching sessions (telephone call). Weekly coaching will be offered by a motivational coach based in Maastricht University. After the post-intervention assessments, individuals will receive monthly calls from the motivational coach as "booster sessions". Booster sessions will be received on monthly basis for a period of 6 months (one session per month) and until the last follow-up assessment. Communication with participants will take place online or via telephone.

Timeline

• Start date: 2022-05-12
• Primary completion: 2023-05-20
• Completion: 2023-11-20
• First posted: 2021-10-01
• Last updated: 2024-05-10

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Netherlands