Caregiver Experiences With an Internet-Delivered Insomnia Intervention: SHUTi-CARE Trial Primary Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background Digital health interventions show potential to increase caregivers’ access to psychosocial care; however, it is unclear to what extent existing interventions may need to be tailored to meet caregivers’ unique needs. Purpose This study aimed to determine whether—and if so, how—an efficacious Internet-delivered insomnia program should be modified for caregivers. The generalizability of these findings beyond the tested program was also examined. Methods Higher-intensity family caregivers (N = 100; age M = 52.82 [SD = 13.10], 75% non-Hispanic White, 66% ≥college degree) received access to an Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) program. Participants who completed one or more intervention “Cores” provided open-ended feedback on their experience; nonusers (completed no Cores) shared their barriers. Results Most caregivers who used the program (n = 82, 82%) found it feasible, citing its user-friendly, fully automated online format. Many reported that CBT-I strategies were helpful, although some faced challenges in implementing these strategies due to the unpredictability of their caregiving responsibilities. Opinions were divided on the utility of tailoring the program for caregivers. Nonusers (n = 18, 18%) primarily cited concerns about time burden and lifestyle compatibility as usage barriers. Conclusions Delivering fully automated behavioral interventions through the Internet appears suitable for many caregivers. Extensive tailoring may not be required for most caregivers to benefit from an existing online CBT-I program, although additional guidance on integrating CBT-I strategies in the context of challenging sleep schedules and environments may help a subset of caregivers. Future research should explore how such tailoring may enhance digital health intervention uptake and effectiveness for caregivers.