Telephone coaching using graphic narratives for dementia caregivers

Telephone-coached "Graphic Narrative" Bibliotherapy for Informal Caregivers of People With Dementia

NA · The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT06413849

This study is testing if telephone coaching with graphic stories can help reduce depression and improve the well-being of caregivers taking care of people with dementia.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment128 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong SAR)
Trial IDNCT06413849 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of telephone-coached graphic narrative bibliotherapy in reducing depressive symptoms among informal caregivers of individuals with dementia. It involves a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial with 128 participants, where one group receives eight weekly coaching sessions and additional follow-ups, while the control group receives an educational booklet. The study measures various outcomes, including caregiver depressive symptoms, stress, anxiety, and quality of life, both immediately after the intervention and at a six-month follow-up.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are informal caregivers aged 18 and above who provide at least 14 hours of care per week to someone with early to moderate stage dementia and experience depressive symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable physical or mental conditions, cognitive impairments, or those currently receiving treatment for depression may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and well-being of dementia caregivers.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using bibliotherapy and coaching for caregiver support, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* provide unpaid care to a person diagnosed with early to moderate stage dementia;
* provide at least 14 hours of care a week for at least 3 months
* aged 18 years or above
* able to read
* have depressive symptoms
* use a message application

Exclusion Criteria:

* with an unstable physical or mental condition
* with cognitive impairment
* receiving medical, psychological, or psychiatric treatment for depression
* have been included in another interventional study

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong SAR

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Dementia Caregiver, Depressive Symptoms, Caregiving Appraisal

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.