Self-help intervention preferences among informal caregivers of adults with kidney conditions: an online cross-sectional survey

• Introduction: Informal caregivers provide important help and support to people with kidney conditions. However, informal caregivers often experience common mental health difficulties, such as depression and anxiety, while in the caregiving role. Informal caregiver’s mental health negatively impacts their own wellbeing, and can also impact the wellbeing of the person they care for. One potential solution to address informal caregivers’ need for psychological support is the development of cognitive behavioural therapy self-help (CBT-SH) interventions. CBT-SH interventions can increase access to psychological support as they are less reliant on extensive involvement of healthcare professionals, and can be delivered in a variety of formats. However, there is a lack of research exploring CBT-SH intervention preferences among informal caregivers of adults with kidney conditions. Following the development phrase of the Medical Research Council framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions, we aim to explore CBT-SH intervention preferences among informal caregivers of adults with kidney conditions to inform the development of an intervention that is acceptable to users and optimised for implementation into routine practice.  Methods: Informal caregivers’ self-help intervention preferences were explored using an online cross-sectional survey. Adults living in the UK who were providing unpaid care to an adult with a kidney condition were eligible to participate. Participants were recruited via social media, websites, newsletters, and/or magazines of non-profit organisations for people with kidney conditions and/or informal caregivers. The survey contained questions related to (1) characteristics of the informal caregiver; (2) characteristics of the person with a kidney condition; (3) self-help intervention preferences (e.g. content, delivery format); and (4) informal caregiver’s mental health. Study materials were reviewed by two public contributors, informing the appearance of recruitment materials, and content of the participant information sheet and survey. Quantitative data analysis using descriptive statistics will be used to analyse survey responses. Results: Participants are currently being recruited, with data collection projected to end in May 2022. We aim to recruit approximately 150 participants, with 15 participants recruited as of mid-February 2022. Preliminary results describing participants’ sociodemographic background, caregiving situation (e.g. condition of the person they care for, relationship to the person they care for), and current mental health status will be presented. Intervention content and delivery (e.g. intervention format; where, when, and by whom the intervention is delivered) preferences identified as most important by informal caregivers will be reported. Findings will be used to guide development of a CBT-SH intervention for informal caregivers of people with kidney conditions and will inform upcoming qualitative research with informal caregivers and health and social care professionals to continue the intervention development process. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first study focused on the development of a CBT-SH intervention to support informal caregivers of people with kidney conditions. By incorporating informal caregiver’s intervention preferences during intervention development, we aim to ensure the intervention meets their needs and preferences, and will be acceptable when implemented into practice. Results reflect the first step towards the development of a CBT-SH intervention for informal caregivers of people with kidney conditions. 

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Urologi och njurmedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Urology and Nephrology (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

informal caregiver

chronic kidney disease

self-help

cognitive behavioural therapy

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