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Internet-based Intervention for Enhancing the Psychological Well-being of Elderly Caregivers (CareACT)

T

The Gerocenter Foundation for Research and Development

Status

Completed

Conditions

Depressive Symptoms
Quality of Life
Psychological Distress

Treatments

Behavioral: Support by voluntary caregiver associations
Behavioral: Internet-based ACT intervention
Behavioral: Standardized rehabilitation

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT03391596
3E/2016

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study will examine whether an Internet-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention is effective, firstly, on reducing depressive symptoms, and, secondly, on improving well-being of elderly family caregivers. In our study, we will compare 1) the experimental Internet-based ACT group to 2) standardized institutional rehabilitation carried out in rehabilitation centers and to 3) support provided by voluntary family caregiver associations

Full description

It is well-known that stress, low quality of life and depression are relatively common problems among family caregivers. The proportion of elderly family caregivers is rapidly increasing which emphasizes the need for new support systems. Internet-delivered psychological interventions are one possible approach, offering benefits as they are more easily to achieve for family caregivers who often are home-bound with their relatives.

This study will examine whether an Internet-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention would be effective, firstly, on reducing depressive symptoms, and, secondly, on improving well-being of elderly family caregivers.The family caregivers' depressive symptoms, perceived burden, anxiety, quality of life, psychological flexibility, personality and physical performance will be studied by a quasi-experimental study design comparing three groups of family caregivers (Group 1, experimental: Internet-based ACT intervention; Group 2, active comparator: Standardized institutional rehabilitation in a rehabilitation center; Group 3, other: Support given by voluntary family caregiver associations). Data collection will be performed at three time points: pre, 4 months and post (10 months).

Secondly, we also aim to examine demographics and psychological variables that could predict change in depression and perceived burden over time (pre, 4 months and post (10 months). A further aim of the study is to examine potential mediators on the effect of the interventions including psychological flexibility and suppression of thoughts. Moreover, we aim to study user experiences and satisfaction of the Internet-based program, i.e., how the family caregivers experience and accept the web-based ACT intervention.

Enrollment

151 patients

Sex

All

Ages

60+ years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria for all groups:

  • family caregiver
  • at least 60 years of age

Inclusion Criteria for the experimental and active comparator group - depressive symptoms and/or psychological distress

Exclusion Criteria for all groups:

  • parallel psychological treatment
  • severe mental disorder

Additional inclusion criteria for the experimental group:

  • computer and Internet connection or willingness to use a tablet provided by the study

Trial design

Primary purpose

Treatment

Allocation

Non-Randomized

Interventional model

Parallel Assignment

Masking

None (Open label)

151 participants in 3 patient groups

Internet-based ACT intervention
Experimental group
Description:
Group "Internet-based ACT intervention" will receive a 12-week Internet-based, acceptance and commitment therapy intervention
Treatment:
Behavioral: Internet-based ACT intervention
Standardized rehabilitation
Active Comparator group
Description:
Group "Standardized rehabilitation" will receive a standardized rehabilitation program in the rehabilitation center
Treatment:
Behavioral: Standardized rehabilitation
Support by caregiver associations
Other group
Description:
Group "Support by voluntary caregiver associations" will receive support given by caregiver associations
Treatment:
Behavioral: Support by voluntary caregiver associations

Trial contacts and locations

1

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Data sourced from clinicaltrials.gov

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