The iACT4CARERS study was a randomised controlled trial of an online programme tailored for family carers of people with dementia. The programme is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and was designed to help carers live well while managing difficult experiences and circumstances that may be outside their control, including the demands of their caring role.

A total of 496 people supporting a family member with dementia took part in the study across 20 NHS sites in England, including NELFT. Half of the carers were given access to the iACT4CARERS digital therapy programme alongside their usual care, while the other half received usual care only.

The iACT4CARERS programme could be accessed at home using a tablet, computer or smartphone. Carers allocated to the programme were asked to complete eight online sessions in their own time. These included self-guided activities, such as watching videos and completing exercises designed to help them learn and practise psychological skills. Carers also received support from a trained NHS support worker based at one of the 20 participating NHS services. This was provided through written feedback, with optional video or telephone calls where needed.

The iACT4CARERS intervention was designed to be low-cost, flexible and accessible to a wide range of carers. The study found that carers who used the programme reported lower levels of anxiety and depression at three and six months compared with those who received usual care alone.

Written by Jane Burgess, Senior Clinical Researcher Occupational Therapist

Link to the published article, published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(26)00178-X/fulltext