The experiences of family caregiver and clinician facilitators implementing a co-delivered acceptance and commitment training (ACT) intervention

Family caregivers of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, yet few interventions target their wellbeing. Moreover, most evidence-based interventions fail to include caregivers in their design and delivery despite evidence that caregivers can play a vital role in enhancing the success of interventions to other caregivers. The present study explored the experiences of caregivers and clinicians who worked in partnership to co-deliver an Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) intervention to caregivers of people with NDDs in the community.

Caregiver and clinician facilitators completed an open-ended survey asking about their experiences co-facilitating an evidence-based, group ACT intervention. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Elements of successful partnerships, the benefits and challenges co-leading the intervention, and considerations for future implementation efforts were explored. Findings revealed the complementary contributions of facilitators’ diverse perspectives, experiences and skills, as well as how regular communication, trust, and flexibility supported successful partnerships. Benefits of co-facilitating included connection with others and personal growth, while challenges included emotional costs, capacity and compensation. Taken together, results highlight ways to support the successful implementation of an ACT intervention co-led by caregivers and clinicians, as well as other partnered interventions.