Feasibility of a Nurse-Supported Mobile App for Self-Help CBT-I in Cancer Caregivers

Launched by THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · Mar 16, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether a mobile app, supported by a nurse, can help cancer caregivers who are struggling with insomnia. The app provides a self-help program based on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which is a type of therapy designed to improve sleep. The study will assess if caregivers can easily use the app, if they stick with the program, and if it helps them sleep better and feel less anxious or depressed.

To be eligible for the trial, participants need to be at least 18 years old and provide unpaid care for someone with cancer, spending at least four hours a day with them. They should also be experiencing insomnia and able to use WeChat, a popular messaging app. For six weeks, participants will follow the program through the app and receive weekly support from a nurse, either through phone calls or messaging, to help track their progress and address any challenges. This study is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to improve the well-being of caregivers who play an essential role in supporting cancer patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥18 years
• • Informal caregiver (e.g., family members, friends, or neighbors) who co-resides with and provides unpaid care for cancer survivors of any site or stage, with daily contact of at least 4 hours. If two or more caregivers are available for a cancer survivor, the one providing most of the daily care will be included.
• • Able to understand the research procedures, and read and communicate in Chinese
• • Able to use WeChat
• • Insomnia severity index scores \> 7
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Another sleep disorder (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, rapid eye movement behavior disorder), besides insomnia, that is not adequately treated
• • Psychotic disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia); Suicidal ideation with intent and plan OR attempted suicide within the past 2 months
• • Currently taking any psychotropic drugs (e.g., antidepressants, anxiolytics, sleep medications)
• • Unstable or acute medical condition or condition requiring surgery in the next 6 months; Pregnancy; or Epilepsy
• • Currently participating in any other interventional program
• • Prior experience with CBT-I
• • Night, evening, early morning or rotating shift work
• • Currently caring for a cancer patient receiving hospice care