Caring For Me and You: the co-production of a computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) package for carers of people with dementia

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Carers of people with dementia face barriers in accessing therapy for mental health difficulties. Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) packages can be effective in treating a range of presentations; however, tailored packages for carers' unique needs are lacking. Our aim was to design a cCBT package for carers to address the limitations of previous online interventions, by including users and experts as consultants and collaborators throughout the project.

Method: We adopted a three-phase approach to the development process. Firstly, a data-gathering phase in which current literature and best practice was reviewed, and semi-structured interviews conducted with service users, academic and clinical experts. Secondly, a co-production and refinement phase with carers testing materials and providing feedback. Thirdly, a pilot field testing phase of service users and the research team testing the package.

Results: The ‘Caring For Me and You’ package adopted a transdiagnostic approach to take account of the range of difficulties that carers face. The package consisted of 20 short sessions with features built in to engage users and personalise content to meet individuals' needs.

Conclusion: User involvement was central to the design of the ‘Caring For Me and You’ package which is currently being evaluated in a three-arm randomised controlled trial.

KEYWORDS:

• Carers
• dementia
• online
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• co-production

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the many people who gave generously of their time and expertise in the development of the CBT and psychoeducation packages. From the Alzheimer's Society – Debora Miranda, James Pickett, Bob Khan and members of QRD network. Members of the programme management group – Prof. Clive Ballard, Kings College London, Dr Georgina Charlesworth, University College London (Chair), June Dent, Dr. John Pimm, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, David Westbrook, Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre, Clinical Psychologists – Dr Candy Stone and Harriet Barlow, staff at Talking Space Plus and service users from OH NHSFT. Oxford University Clinical Research Psychologists – Dr Fjola Helgadottir and Dr Simon Blackwell. Members of the project team – Dr Jane Stafford, Jo-ann Fowler, Natalia Banache, Elyse Couch, Marie Crabbe, Shane Ford, Charlotte Harris, Jasmin Patel, Linda Piper, Sophie Webster.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest associated with this research.

Additional information

Funding

Alzheimer's Society [grant number 176].