Online ACT Program for Chronic Health Conditions

Overseen By Ty B Aller, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Utah State University

Disqualifiers: Not fluent in English

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new online program designed to help people with chronic health conditions improve their quality of life. The program, called the ACT Guide for Chronic Health Conditions, uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on accepting thoughts and feelings while encouraging meaningful actions. Participants will be randomly assigned to either start the program immediately or wait 10 weeks before beginning. It suits adults in the U.S. who have lived with a chronic health condition like diabetes or chronic pain for at least three months and can access the internet. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance the quality of life for many individuals with chronic conditions.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems to focus on an online program for improving quality of life, so it's likely you can continue your medications, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.

What prior data suggests that this online ACT program is safe for individuals with chronic health conditions?

Research has shown that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is generally safe for individuals with long-term health issues. ACT encourages acceptance of thoughts and feelings while promoting engagement in meaningful activities. This method has been tested in online programs for conditions like breast cancer and diabetes.

These studies have found that participants generally receive ACT well, with no major reports of negative side effects. People using ACT often feel more satisfied with their condition management and notice an improvement in their quality of life.

Since this trial uses an online, self-guided ACT program, it's important to note that past research suggests these formats are safe. Participants in similar online programs have reported high satisfaction and very few negative experiences. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

The ACT Guide for Chronic Health Conditions is unique because it offers a psychological approach to managing chronic health conditions, focusing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Unlike standard treatments that often involve medication or physical therapies, this program emphasizes mental flexibility and acceptance strategies to improve quality of life. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it empowers individuals to manage their conditions through mindfulness and behavior change, potentially reducing dependency on medications and offering a holistic approach to health management.

What evidence suggests that this online ACT program is effective for improving quality of life in chronic health conditions?

Research shows that online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can significantly benefit people with long-term health issues. Studies have found that ACT improves quality of life by reducing pain, depression, and anxiety. Online ACT programs excel at managing chronic pain and other symptoms. In this trial, participants in the treatment arm will complete the ACT Guide for Chronic Health Conditions program over six weeks. A review of studies found that online ACT enhances people's ability to handle stress and emotions. This makes it a promising option for those with various chronic conditions, offering support and tools to manage daily challenges. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Ty B Aller

Principal Investigator

Utah State University

Michael Levin, PhD

Principal Investigator

Utah State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults with chronic health conditions who are looking to improve their quality of life. Participants should be interested in an online self-help program and willing to provide feedback. Specific eligibility criteria were not provided, so it's best to contact the study organizers for detailed requirements.

Inclusion Criteria

I have had my chronic condition for 3 months or more.

I have at least one long-term health condition like heart disease or diabetes.

Can access the internet via computer, mobile phone, or tablet

Exclusion Criteria

Not fluent in reading English (at this point the online program can only be feasibly and competently delivered in English)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants complete the ACT Guide for Chronic Health Conditions program over 6 weeks

6 weeks

Online sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Post-assessment and follow-up assessments

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• ACT Guide for Chronic Health Conditions

Trial Overview The trial is testing a new online Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) program designed for individuals with various chronic health conditions. The aim is to see if this 6-session, self-guided ACT course can enhance participants' wellbeing and quality of life.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Treatment Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Following random assignment to the condition after completing baseline assessment, participants will be instructed to complete the ACT Guide for Chronic Health Conditions program over the next 6 weeks.

Group II: Waitlist Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Following random assignment to the condition after completing baseline assessment, participants will be instructed to wait to receive the intervention after a period of 10 weeks (this accounts for the 6 weeks that treatment condition participants are given to complete the program, plus the 4 interim between post-assessment and follow-up.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Utah State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

48

Recruited

5,200+

Citations

1. cehs.usu.edu cehs.usu.edu/scce/services/act-guide/act-for-chronic-health-conditions

ACT Guide FAQ for Chronic Health Conditions | USU This program is for anyone living with one or more chronic health conditions, such as chronic pain, diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis, or chronic fatigue ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8502909/

Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT ... Online ACT interventions have been shown to be effective for important primary outcomes in managing chronic pain in 8 articles describing five RCT's. This ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8712459/

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - PMC Technology-supported ACT shows promise for improving function and ACT process outcomes across a range of CHCs.

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1526590021002078

Review Articles Efficacy of Online-Based Acceptance and ... Online ACT was more efficacious than controls regarding pain interference, pain intensity, depression, anxiety, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility.

5. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07317115.2025.2487008

Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic ... This case study evaluates the effectiveness of online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for chronic pain management in an older adult.

6. cdc.gov cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2023/23_0120.htm

Advancing Chronic Disease Practice Through the ... Chronic disease prevention and control necessitates a comprehensive strategy to prevent disease (2–4), which is needed now more than ever (5).

7. ahrq.gov ahrq.gov/topics/chronic-conditions.html

Topic: Chronic Conditions Real-time symptom monitoring using electronic patient-reported outcomes: a prospective study protocol to improve safety during care transitions for patients ...

8. atiadvisory.com atiadvisory.com/resources/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Fulfilling-the-Promise-of-the-CHRONIC-Care-Act-Policy-Recommendations.pdf

Fulfilling the Promise of the CHRONIC Care Act: Note: Data are limited to fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries living in the community. Chronic condition data will be based on self-reported data. Source ...

9. cms.gov cms.gov/medicare/enrollment-renewal/special-needs-plans/chronic-conditions

Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) C-SNPs are SNPs that restrict enrollment to special needs individuals with specific severe or disabling chronic conditions, defined in 42 CFR 422.2.

10. hhs.gov hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ash/initiatives/mcc/mcc_framework.pdf

Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Strategic Framework This framework contains a vision statement, goals, objectives, and discrete strategies to guide the department in coordinating its efforts ...