CompletedInterventional

A clinical trial of internet-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy for family carers of people with dementia

Looking after a relative with dementia is rewarding, but it can also lead to high levels of anxiety and stress. Finding the time to attend in-person therapy can be very difficult for busy carers. Researchers in the UK are testing an online self-help programme called iACT4CARERS, which is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The study aims to see whether this web-based course helps reduce anxiety, offers value for money, and can be used across diverse communities. Nearly 500 carers will take part. Half will receive the online course with therapist feedback, while the other half will continue with their usual care. Both groups will answer questionnaires about their mood and well-being. If successful, this digital therapy could make mental health support much easier to access for family carers through the NHS in the future.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of East Anglia

Enrolment target

496

Start

25 Oct 2023

Estimated completion

14 Jan 2025

Family carers of people with dementia

What is this study about?

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be physically and emotionally demanding. Many family carers experience anxiety, worry, or low mood. However, finding the time, transport, or respite care needed to attend regular face-to-face therapy appointments can feel almost impossible.

This clinical trial, led by the University of East Anglia, tests an online programme called iACT4CARERS. It uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a type of talking therapy that helps people manage difficult feelings and focus on what truly matters to them. Because the programme is online, carers can work through the self-help sessions at their own pace from home on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, while receiving feedback from a therapist.

The researchers want to see whether the programme effectively eases anxiety and represents good value for the NHS. They are also working to make sure the support reaches people from all backgrounds, including ethnic minority groups who are often underrepresented in research. If successful, this online therapy could become widely available to support family carers across the UK.

Key takeaways

Tests an online self-help therapy programme designed specifically for dementia carers.
Aims to find out if the programme reduces carer anxiety and provides good value for the NHS.
Completely home-based with no travel or hospital visits needed.
Participants are randomly assigned either to the online programme with therapist feedback or to usual care.
Open to UK adults caring for a relative with dementia who are experiencing anxiety.

Who may be eligible?

You may be eligible for this study if you are aged 18 or over and are currently caring for a family member who has been diagnosed with dementia. You must be experiencing symptoms of anxiety (which the study team will check with a brief questionnaire) and feel willing to try online support. You will also need regular access to the internet on a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

You cannot take part if you are already receiving another regular talking therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or counselling. The study is also not suitable for people who have severe mental health crises, active thoughts of suicide, or serious health conditions that would make participating too difficult.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or over.
I care for a family member who has dementia.
I am experiencing anxiety or worry and want online help.
I have regular access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with the internet.
I am not currently having another regular talking therapy (such as counselling or CBT).

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part is done entirely from home, so there are no hospital visits. After an initial screening check, a computer will place you into one of two groups by chance. One group receives the iACT4CARERS online self-help programme and gets individual feedback from a therapist after completing sessions. The other group receives usual standard care. Participants in both groups will complete online questionnaires about their mood and well-being at the start, at the end of the programme, and three months later. Some carers and clinicians may also be invited to take part in an interview to share their feedback on how the programme worked. There are no medicines involved, and you can work through the online sessions at a pace that suits you.

Potential risks and benefits

If you receive the online therapy, you may find that it helps reduce your anxiety and improves your emotional well-being. Even if you are placed in the usual care group, your participation will provide valuable information to help improve support for other dementia carers. Looking at difficult feelings during therapy sessions can sometimes feel upsetting or stressful. You can stop or withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and doing so will not affect your normal NHS care in any way.

Locations (20)

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Norwich, England
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Cambridge, England
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Hatfield, England
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
City only
Exeter, England
North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT)
City only
Ilford, England
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Redruth, England
Solent NHS Trust
Unverified
Southampton, England
Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Southampton, England
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Bournemouth, England
South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust
Unverified
London, England
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Kettering, England
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Derby, England

Common questions

Do I have to travel to any hospital appointments?

No. The entire study is run online, so you can take part from home using your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

ACT is an established talking therapy that helps you learn ways to cope with painful thoughts and feelings while focusing on positive steps you can take in life.

Can I choose which group I am in?

No. A computer randomly decides your group. This ensures the study gives fair, unbiased results about how well the online programme works.

Does taking part cost anything?

No. The programme is free to take part in. You only need a digital device and an internet connection.

What happens if I change my mind?

You are free to leave the study whenever you wish without giving an explanation. Your regular healthcare will continue as normal.

How to find out more

Naoko Kishita

N.Kishita@uea.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.