Virtual buddy system eases caregiver burden in MND

NCT ID NCT04695210

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: King's College London Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a 12-week online peer support programme for family caregivers of people with motor neurone disease who are becoming dependent on breathing or feeding technology. The programme included private messaging, weekly chats, a discussion forum, and resources. Researchers measured changes in anxiety, depression, and caregiver burden in 149 participants to see if this low-cost support could improve well-being.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: virtual peer-to-peer support programme
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a low-cost, flexible way to improve mental health and reduce burden for family caregivers of people with motor neurone disease.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small completed trial (149 participants) testing a behavioural intervention, so results may not apply to all caregivers. The effect on distress may be modest or not sustained long-term.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis motor neuron disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS MOTOR NEURON DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust

Bradford, BD20 6TD, United Kingdom
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Bedford, MK42 9DJ, United Kingdom
Compton Care

Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Coventry Community Specialist Palliative Care Team

Coventry, CV1 4NZ, United Kingdom
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare

Teddington, TW11 8HU, United Kingdom
Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation

Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7QB, United Kingdom
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Many Locations, United Kingdom
Marie Curie Hospice

Many Locations, United Kingdom
Medway Community Healthcare

Gillingham, ME8 0PZ, United Kingdom
Ninewells Hospital

Dundee, DD1 9SY, United Kingdom
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Many Locations, United Kingdom
Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice

Farnham, GU9 8BL, United Kingdom
Pilgrims Hospice

Canterbury, United Kingdom
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Exeter, EX2 5DW, United Kingdom
Royal Stoke University Hospital/University Hospitals North

Multiple Locations, United Kingdom
Severn Hospice

Shrewsbury, SY3 8HS, United Kingdom
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Sheffield, S10 2JF, United Kingdom
St Margaret's Hospice

Taunton, TA1 5HA, United Kingdom
Swansea Bay University Health Board

Many Locations, United Kingdom
The Leicestershire & Rutland Organisation for the Relief of Suffering - LOROS

Leicester, LE3 9QE, United Kingdom
The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust

Liverpool, L9 7LJ, United Kingdom
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Coventry, CV2 2DX, United Kingdom
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS trust

Plymouth, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Brighton, BN2 1DH, United Kingdom

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