Online acceptance and commitment therapy for informal caregivers of residents in long-term care

ISRCTN	ISRCTN32473505
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN32473505
Sponsor	University of Regina
Funder	Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation

Submission date: 11/05/2026
Registration date: 21/05/2026
Last edited: 20/05/2026

Recruitment status: No longer recruiting
Overall study status: Completed
Condition category: Mental and Behavioural Disorders

Prospectively registered

Protocol

Statistical analysis plan

Results

Individual participant data

Record updated in last year

Plain English summary of protocol

Not provided at time of registration

Contact information

Dr Natasha Gallant
Principal investigator, Scientific

3737 Wascana Parkway
Regina
S4S0A2
Canada

Phone	+1 3065854219
Email	natasha.gallant@uregina.ca

Ms Briana De Roo
Principal investigator, Scientific, Public

3737 Wascana Parkway
Regina
S4S0A2
Canada

Phone	+1 3065854219
Email	briana.deroo@uregina.ca

Study information

Primary study design	Interventional
Allocation	N/A: single arm study
Masking	Open (masking not used)
Control	Uncontrolled
Assignment	Single
Purpose	Treatment, Feasibility
Scientific title	Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Institutional Informal Caregivers (IICs): A Feasibility Study
Study objectives	The purpose of the study is to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Guide Lite for family and friend caregivers of long-term care residents.
Ethics approval(s)	Approved 17/07/2025, The University of Regina Research Ethics Board (3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, S4S0A2, Canada; +1 3065854775; research.ethics@uregina.ca), ref: 1152
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied	Reduction of anxiety, depression, and caregiver burden symptoms in informal caregivers (family and friends) of long-term care residents.
Intervention	All participants completed the ACT Guide Lite. The ACT Guide Lite was originally developed by Utah State University based on a previously developed 12-session ACT Guide Program. This program is an online, self-help program designed to be completed within a single session of approximately 45 minutes. It was designed to improve emotional well-being and to help individuals to cope with psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress by teaching new ways to interact with thoughts and feelings. Eligible participants met with the Principal Investigator over Zoom after completing the eligibility survey to review the consent form. Then, participants were emailed with a link to access the ACT Guide Lite, if they consented.
Intervention type	Behavioural
Primary outcome measure(s)	Perceived credibility and treatment expectancy measured using the Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ) at baseline and immediately post-intervention Treatment satisfaction measured using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ) at immediately post-intervention Negative effects measured using the Negative Effects Questionnaire (NEQ) at 4-weeks post-intervention
Key secondary outcome measure(s)	Depression symptoms measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 (PHQ-9) at baseline, 2-weeks and 4-weeks post-intervention Anxiety symptoms measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7) at baseline, 2-weeks and 4-weeks post-intervention Caregiver burden symptoms measured using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) at baseline, 2-weeks and 4-weeks post-intervention Psychological flexibility measured using the Comprehensive assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy processes (CompACT) at baseline, 2-weeks and 4-weeks post-intervention Involvement in long-term care measured using the Family Involvement Questionnaire-LTC (FIQ-LTC) at baseline, 2-weeks and 4-weeks post-intervention Quality of life measured using the Family Caregiver-Specific Quality of Life Scale (FAMQOL) at baseline, 2-weeks and 4-weeks post-intervention
Completion date	14/04/2026

Eligibility

Participant type(s)
Age group	Mixed
Lower age limit	18 Years
Upper age limit	85 Years
Sex	All
Target sample size at registration	20
Total final enrolment	30
Key inclusion criteria	1. At least 18 years of age 2. Currently provide unpaid care to a LTC resident 3. Residing in Canada 4. Are not in current receipt of psychological treatment
Key exclusion criteria	1. Do not speak English
Date of first enrolment	07/09/2025
Date of final enrolment	11/03/2026

Locations

Countries of recruitment

Canada

Study participating centre

University of Regina

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Canada

Results and Publications

Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share	No

Editorial Notes

20/05/2026: Study’s existence confirmed by the University of Regina Research Ethics Board, Canada.