WeACT: a web-based program to help family caregivers of people with dementia

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot study tests the feasibility and user experience of WeACT, a self-guided, internet-based ACT program for caregivers of people with dementia. It uses six weekly modules plus daily practice to teach coping strategies for difficult thoughts and feelings. The study uses a one-group pretest-posttest design with online questionnaires and one remote interview to explore changes in caregiver mental health and ACT-related processes. Participants access the program online, complete baseline and post-program assessments, and share their experiences to identify improvements for scalability. Recruitment is nationwide in the United States and all participants receive access to WeACT.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion criteria

Family caregivers of people living with dementia will be eligible to participate if they meet all of the following criteria:

1. Are community-dwelling adults aged 18 years or older who have primary caregiving responsibilities for a relative diagnosed with dementia;
2. Present mild to moderately severe depressive symptoms, as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with scores between 5 and 19; and
3. Have access to a web-enabled device, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, with internet access.

Exclusion criteria

Family caregivers of people living with dementia will be excluded if they meet any of the following criteria:

1. Have cognitive, physical, or sensory impairments, or are unable to complete study procedures in English, that may impede study participation;
2. Present severe depressive symptoms, defined as PHQ-9 scores of 20 or higher;
3. Report having thoughts of harming themselves or attempting suicide within the past six months;
4. Have previously participated in a research study involving an ACT program;
5. Are currently participating in another caregiver intervention study; or
6. Have experienced more than three hospitalizations of either the family caregiver or the relative with dementia within the past year.

Where it's running

• University of South Florida
  Tampa, Florida, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Areum Han — University of South Florida
• Study coordinator: Areum Han, PhD
• Email: areumhan@usf.edu
• Phone: 813-396-0524

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.