Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Through Tele-Counselling for Family Caregivers in New Brunswick: A Pilot and Feasibility Study
What is this Study about?
The Alzheimer Society of NB (ASNB) launched a new Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Tele-counselling program for family caregivers of persons with dementia in February 2020 which has yet to be evaluated. The aim of the program is to increase access to high-quality psychotherapy for caregivers struggling with mental health concerns by offering the program remotely through digital technology, in both French and English at no cost. ACT has been shown to reduce depression, anxiety and burden in caregivers worldwide but has never been investigated in Canada.
The collection of information gathered in this study will support the development of essential knowledge translation products, i.e.: policy brief, infographic, best implementation practices report.
What Will Happen in This Study?
We aim to recruit 80 family caregivers who will be randomized to:
- a Usual Care (control group): 2 check-in telephone calls from ASNB staff over 3 months.
- or the ACT Program (intervention group): 6 to 8 counselling sessions over 3-6 months by telephone, videoconference or text.
Participants will also be asked to answer two sets of questionnaires (20 minutes each)- the first before and the second immediately after the ACT Program or Usual Care. These questionnaires include questions about the participant’s age, gender, mood, and feelings.
Prior to participation, you will be asked to answer a survey to make sure that the study is appropriate for you. If you are not eligible to participate in the study, we will assist you to find appropriate services at the Alzheimer Society of NB and elsewhere.
Who is Eligible to Participate in this Study?
To be eligible to participate in this study, you must meet the following criteria:
- Friend or family (unpaid) caregiver to a person living with dementia;
- Over 18 years of age;
- Speak and read in English or French; and
- Reside in New Brunswick (NB)
Legal Disclaimer
Any materials or links provided herein are strictly for informational purposes only. The Alzheimer Society of Canada does not endorse nor recommend any of the manufacturers, products or institutions mentioned in any of these links or listings as suitable or appropriate for your particular situation or circumstances and disclaims any liability with respect to representations, warranties, including fitness for an intended particular use or purpose, and all other claims relating thereto, all of which remain strictly with the manufacturer or institution.
In no event shall the Alzheimer Society of Canada or any third parties mentioned on the website be liable for any damage (including, without limitation, incidental and consequential damages for personal injury/wrongful death, lost profits or damages resulting from lost data or business interruption) or personal injury (including death) resulting from the use, misuse or inability to use any activity, product or service mentioned herein, whether based in warranty, contract, tort or any other legal theory.
Everyone considering participating in any activity is encouraged to speak with their own doctor or health-care team before participating in any activity that may impact their health or well-being.
Follow us: