Biliunaite Ieva, Dumarkaite Austeja, Kazlauskas Evaldas, Sanderman Robbert, Andersson Gerhard
Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Campus Valla, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, 03100 Vilnius, Lithuania.
Internet Interv. 2021 Jan 7;23:100361. doi: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100361. eCollection 2021 Mar.
Informal caregivers represent an important and vulnerable part of the society. They can experience negative psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) is a promising psychological support option that could be effective in reducing informal caregiver burden as well as improving psychological well-being. Qualitative studies are valuable for gaining insights into participant experiences of using ICBT.
The main aim of this study was to explore informal caregiver experiences and hence acceptability and feasibility of the transdiagnostic ICBT program aimed at reducing informal caregiver burden and increasing the quality of life.
Following a strategic sampling procedure, 23 informal caregivers were recruited from previous randomized controlled trial for informal caregivers in Lithuania. Participants were interviewed over phone, using semi-structured interview questions. Interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.
Four themes and a total of 10 sub-themes were generated: I A program as a means of change (), II Suggestions for the program ( III Driving personal and situational forces ) and Hindering situational factors
Most of the informal caregivers were found to be satisfied with the program's format and materials as well as the communication with the therapist via a message function in the program. Some suggestions were made regarding implementation of the live support option. Also, suggestions regarding possibility for tailoring the program's content. Lastly, several personal and situational factors were identified as important in affecting informal caregiver well-being. We conclude that ICBT has potential in reducing informal caregiver burden and improving psychological health. Further research trials are warranted for evaluating both, the effectiveness and the feasibility of the program.
非正式照料者是社会中重要且易受伤害的一部分。他们可能会出现抑郁和焦虑等负面心理症状。基于互联网的认知行为疗法（ICBT）是一种有前景的心理支持选择，可能在减轻非正式照料者负担以及改善心理健康方面有效。定性研究对于深入了解参与者使用ICBT的体验很有价值。
本研究的主要目的是探索非正式照料者的体验，以及旨在减轻非正式照料者负担并提高生活质量的跨诊断ICBT项目的可接受性和可行性。
按照策略性抽样程序，从立陶宛之前针对非正式照料者的随机对照试验中招募了23名非正式照料者。使用半结构化访谈问题通过电话对参与者进行访谈。采用主题分析方法对访谈进行分析。
生成了四个主题和总共10个子主题：一、作为改变手段的项目（），二、对项目的建议（），三、推动个人和情境因素，四、阻碍情境因素。
发现大多数非正式照料者对项目的形式和材料以及通过项目中的消息功能与治疗师的沟通感到满意。就实施实时支持选项提出了一些建议。还就调整项目内容的可能性提出了建议。最后，确定了几个影响非正式照料者幸福感的个人和情境因素。我们得出结论，ICBT在减轻非正式照料者负担和改善心理健康方面具有潜力。有必要进行进一步的研究试验来评估该项目的有效性和可行性。
