WeACT Program for Caregivers of People With Dementia

Overseen By Jeremy Jenkins, MS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of South Florida

Disqualifiers: Severe depression, Suicidal intent, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6-8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether WeACT, a self-paced, web-based program, is feasible and helpful for adult family caregivers of a relative living with dementia. WeACT is based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which teaches skills to handle difficult thoughts and feelings and take steps toward what matters most.

The main questions this study aims to answer are:

* Can caregivers complete WeACT as planned?

* Do caregivers show improvements in mental health and coping after using WeACT?

* What are caregivers' experiences with the program, and what suggestions do they have to improve it?

Participants will:

* Complete six self-paced weekly online modules and use the daily practice section during the program.

* Complete online questionnaires before starting and after completing the program.

* Take part in one online interview about their experience.

Who Is on the Research Team?

Areum Han

Principal Investigator

University of South Florida

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adult family caregivers of individuals living with dementia. Participants should be willing to engage with a web-based program and provide feedback through questionnaires and an interview.

Inclusion Criteria

Present mild to moderate depressive symptoms, as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with scores between 5 and 14

Have access to a web-enabled device (i.e., a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop) with internet access

I am over 18 and the main caregiver for a relative with dementia.

Exclusion Criteria

Cognitive, physical, or sensory impairments, or language barriers (non-English communicator) that might impede study participation

Present moderately severe to severe depressive symptoms, defined as PHQ-9 scores between 15 and 27

Have previously participated in a research study that involved an ACT program

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Online eligibility screening survey

Treatment

Participants complete the WeACT program, which includes six self-paced weekly online modules and daily practice sections

6-8 weeks

Online modules and daily practice

Follow-up

Participants complete post-intervention questionnaires and participate in an online interview to assess mental health outcomes and user experience

1-2 weeks

Online questionnaires and interview

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• WeACT

Trial Overview

The WeACT program, a self-paced online intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), is being tested for its feasibility and effectiveness in improving mental health and coping skills of caregivers.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The ACT group will complete the WeACT program, a self-paced, web-based ACT program that includes six weekly online modules and a daily practice section.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of South Florida

Lead Sponsor

Trials

433

Recruited

198,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+