E-mental health interventions for informal caregivers : Development with a focus on implementation

Abstract: The four studies within this thesis contributed to the identification of key factors to be considered when designing and implementing e-mental health (e-MH) interventions for informal caregivers. Study I was a mixed-methods systematic review to examine factors related to the effectiveness and implementation of e-MH interventions for informal caregivers of adults with chronic diseases. A thematic synthesis with deductive coding using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) identified 152 implementation barriers and facilitators. Barriers and facilitators primarily related to intervention and user characteristics. Exploration of barriers and facilitators related to the implementation setting or wider context was limited.Study II was a cross-sectional survey to examine contextual factors related to informal caregivers (e.g. intervention preferences, caregiving situation) to inform the development of a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) self-help intervention to support the mental health of informal caregivers of people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The majority of participants were caring for a male spouse or partner living with CKD, and over half were experiencing at least mild depressive symptoms. Informal caregivers reported preferences for CBT self-help interventions to be delivered via the internet, a workbook, or individually in-person, with additional support provided in-person or via email by a trained professional at a non-profit organisation.Study III was a qualitative study to explore the perspectives of professionals (i.e. potential implementers) anticipated to play key roles in the future implementation of an e-MH intervention for informal caregivers of people living with CKD regarding the intervention’s design, delivery, and implementation. Manifest content analysis with primarily deductive coding using the CFIR led to identification of 29 generic categories representing implementation determinants. Potential implementers considered an e-MH intervention as fitting within some existing healthcare delivery models and work routines, however, capacity to be involved with intervention delivery was low. Equitable support access was important to ensure intervention acceptability.Study IV was a qualitative study to explore informal caregivers’ experiences of accessing and receiving support while caring for someone living with CKD. Reflexive thematic analysis generated three themes: (1) “Systems seem to get in the way” – challenges within support systems, describing challenges encountered when navigating complex systems; (2) Relying on yourself, describing how informal caregivers relied on their own skills and networks to find support; and (3) Support systems can “take the pressure off”, describing how support systems were perceived as supportive when empathetic and reliable.