Self-help Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Carers of People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial

Potter, Kristy-Jane; Golijana?Moghaddam, Nima; Evangelou, Nikos; Mhizha-Murira, Jacqueline; Nair, Roshan

Abstract

Introduction:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an established psychological therapy, but its effectiveness for carers of people with Multiple Sclerosis experiencing carer-related strain has not been established. This study assessed the acceptability and feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial comparing ACT self-help, telephone-supported ACT self-help, and usual care.

Methods:

We describe a mixed-method, parallel three-armed feasibility randomised controlled trial. Participants were carers (i.e. caregivers) of people with multiple sclerosis. The self-help group received an ACT self-help text (covered over eight weeks), the enhanced self-help group additionally received weekly telephone support. All participants completed questionnaires at baseline, three-months, and six-months post-randomisation, assessing carer strain, health-related quality of life, and ACT-related processes. A sample of participants were also interviewed.

Results:

Twenty-four carers were randomised. Participants found the study procedures to be acceptable, but highlighted difficulties with the self-help text and timing of the intervention. An exploratory, group-level analysis indicated effectiveness for the enhanced self-help group on carer strain (consistent across both follow-ups), with convergent qualitative reports to support this.

Discussion:

A full trial of ACT-based, telephone-supported self-help is warranted, including both the self-help and enhanced self-help design, following significant adaptions to the self-help itself. An internal pilot would, therefore, be recommended to further assess the feasibility after changes are incorporated.

Citation

Potter, K., Golijana?Moghaddam, N., Evangelou, N., Mhizha-Murira, J., & Nair, R. (2021). Self-help Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Carers of People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 28, 279-294. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-020-09711-x

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 19, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Mar 6, 2020
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Deposit Date: Feb 21, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 21, 2020
• Journal: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings
• Print ISSN: 1068-9583
• Electronic ISSN: 1573-3572
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 28
• Pages: 279-294
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-020-09711-x
• Keywords: Clinical Psychology
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4004670
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10880-020-09711-x