Abstract
Abstract Background IBD significantly impacts the physical, psychosocial, and emotional well-being of individuals and their families, reducing overall quality of life [1, 2]. Prior studies indicate a preference for online interventions to enhance family members’ knowledge, resilience, and emotional well-being. In response, a web-based intervention with psychoeducational and interactive components was developed [3]. This study aimed to assess the intervention’s feasibility and acceptability, along with evaluation methods, to guide the design of a future effectiveness trial. Methods The study used a two-phase mixed-methods approach, following the Medical Research Council framework [4] for complex interventions: (a) a feasibility trial and (b) exit interviews. A two-arm feasibility RCT with 60 participants allocated in a 2:1 ratio (intervention vs. wait-list control) assessed the intervention and study design. Quantitative data were reported using descriptive statistics, while qualitative feedback on the intervention and study design was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, anonymised, and managed in NVivo 14 software. Results Of 155 interested participants, 88 (56.8%) were screened, and 60 (38.7%) enrolled (40 intervention, 20 wait-list). Baseline mental well-being, caregiver burden, and self-efficacy scores showed no significant difference between groups (p>0.05). Retention rates at 16 weeks were 57.5% for intervention and 60% for wait-list. Engagement data showed 216 log-ins by 34/40 participants over 8 weeks (mean usage 135 minutes per participant), although adherence to the 1-hour weekly target was low. System Usability Scale results yielded a mean score of 79.15 of 100 (high satisfaction). Participants valued the intuitive design, cross-device compatibility, and ease of use, with particular appreciation for community spaces and psychoeducation, which they reported helped improve caregiving knowledge, self-care, and coping strategies. Suggested improvements included adding email alerts and real-time notifications to boost engagement. Conclusion The study process and web-based intervention demonstrated reasonable feasibility and acceptability, with high user satisfaction in usability, design, and content. Participants noted perceived improvements in caregiving knowledge and well-being, though usage adherence was low. Suggestions for engagement features including email reminders and in-app alerts, which offer insights for future intervention optimisation. These findings support refining the intervention and highlight the need for an effectiveness trial to assess its impact on family members of individuals with IBD.
Published Version
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