Effectiveness of a novel multi-modal intervention for family caregivers of persons with age-related macular degeneration: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

_Purpose: _Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment in older adults. Individuals affected by AMD often require regular physical and emotional support by family caregivers. Carers of people with AMD endure significant physical burden, emotional distress, increased financial stress, and disruptions due to their lifestyle and retirement plans as a direct consequence of the AMD caregiving experience. Despite this, there are currently no interventions targeted towards family caregivers of AMD patients. We evaluated the efficacy of a novel intervention aiming to improve the burden and wellbeing of family carers of persons with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). _Materials and Methods:_ 94 family carers of relatives with AMD were primarily recruited through private eye clinics and randomised to either receive a 10-week intervention of mail-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (M-CBT) and optional telephone delivered group counselling (n=47); or to a wait-list control group (n=47). Outcome measures were assessed pre-intervention (baseline) and 6-months post-intervention. _Results:_ Intervention participants demonstrated several positive non-significant improvements versus control group at 6-months: burden (_P_=0.53), depressive symptoms (_P_=0.19), general self-efficacy (_P_=0.14), quality of life (_P_=0.17) and fatigue (_P_=0.15). _Discussion: _Study findings demonstrate that combined M-CBT and telephone counselling intervention led to non-significant improvements in outcomes measures such as burden in family carers of persons with AMD.