Feasibility randomised controlled trial of a self-help acceptance and commitment therapy intervention for grief and psychological distress in carers of palliative care patients

Authors

Esther Davis, University of WollongongFollow
Frank P. Deane, University of WollongongFollow
Geoffrey C. B Lyons, Australian College of Applied PsychologyFollow
Gregory D. Barclay, University of WollongongFollow
Joan Bourne, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
Vivienne Connolly, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District

RIS ID

122197

Publication Details

Davis, E. L., Deane, F. P., Lyons, G. C. B., Barclay, G. D., Bourne, J. & Connolly, V. (2017). Feasibility randomised controlled trial of a self-help acceptance and commitment therapy intervention for grief and psychological distress in carers of palliative care patients. Journal of Health Psychology, Online first 1-18.

Abstract

We tested the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an acceptance and commitment therapy self-help intervention for grief and psychological distress in carers of patients in palliative care. Carers were randomised to the control group, which received treatment as usual, or the intervention group, which received treatment as usual plus an acceptance and commitment therapy–based self-help booklet and telephone support call. Questionnaires were completed at baseline, 1-month post-allocation and 6 months post-loss. Results indicated that the intervention was generally feasible and viewed as acceptable to carers. Preliminary effectiveness analyses showed at least a small effect in acceptance, valued-living, grief and psychological distress.