Family caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) often face significant stress and mental health challenges, prompting the development of a new intervention called Caring for the Caregiver Acceptance and Commitment Training (CC-ACT). This group-based workshop, co-led by trained caregivers and clinicians, aims to improve caregiver mental well-being through acceptance and commitment training.
The study evaluates the real-world implementation of CC-ACT across 11 sites in Canada, using the RE-AIM framework to assess reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. A total of 195 caregivers participated in the workshops, which were conducted both virtually and in-person. Assessments were carried out before and after the workshops, and at a three-month follow-up, to measure stress, resilience, and self-compassion using validated tools.
Preliminary results indicate that CC-ACT may positively impact caregiver well-being, although effectiveness may vary based on individual characteristics and implementation context. The study also includes qualitative feedback from participants and facilitators to inform future refinements and scalability of the intervention. Data collection concluded in 2024, with analyses expected by the end of 2025.