Author Identifier
Charunya Abeysinghe Mudiyanselage: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9653-9112
Date of Award
2026
Keywords
Informal carer, online mindfulness, co-design, interpretive description, family carer
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery
First Supervisor
Beverley Ewens
Second Supervisor
Marcus Ang
Third Supervisor
Aisling Smyth
Fourth Supervisor
Joanne Dickson
Abstract
Background: Informal carers of people with dementia experience significant stress and pressure in their caring role. Online mindfulness-based interventions have been found to increase the wellbeing of informal carers in other populations. However, little is known about the experiences of online mindfulness-based interventions for informal carers of people with dementia and co-designing programs for them.
Aim: The aim of this study was to develop and implement an online mindfulness-based intervention for informal carers of people with dementia and explore their experiences of participating in the program.
Methods: Interpretive description was used as the research methodology. The study was conducted over two phases. Phase 1 included co-designing an online mindfulness-based intervention with an advisory group and refining the program. Phase 2 comprised the implementation phase with informal carers of people with dementia and their experiences were also explored in this phase.
Findings: During the co-design phase, two main categories were formulated from the advisory group interviews: support for participants and program delivery and content. Three main themes emerged from the data analysis of the implementation phase for participants who completed at least one mindful activity and practised it daily (Group 1). These comprised the benefits of and barriers to online mindfulness-based intervention, and the mode of online delivery. Intrinsic and extrinsic challenges were the themes that emerged from the participants who were unable to practice at least one mindful activity (Group 2).
Conclusion: Co-design approaches are essential for the successful adaptation of authentic and appropriate programs for informal carers, accommodating their complex care demands and individual challenges. Group 1 participants reported improved coping after completing the online mindfulness-based interventions and planned to continue these activities. Future longitudinal studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of online mindfulness-based interventions in informal carers of people with dementia.
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 30th April 2029
Access to Appendix A of this thesis is not available
Recommended Citation
Abeysinghe Mudiyanselage, C. (2026). Exploring the experience of informal carers of people with dementia undertaking an online mindfulness programme: An interpretive descriptive study. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/axs7-xw88