Evaluating the feasibility of a co-designed psychosocial recovery intervention for cyberscam survivors with acquired brain injury (ABI): a single-case experimental design.

Abstract

This pilot aimed to (1) assess the feasibility of "Smooth Sailing After Scams (SSAS)", a novel 10-session cyberscam psychosocial group intervention, (2) explore the sensitivity of outcome measures in detecting intervention response in people with ABI. Of 23 screened adults with ABI, 10 were enrolled (<i>M_age</i> = 59.5, <i>SD</i> = 13.0). A concurrent multiple-baselines single-case design with randomised baseline lengths (2, 4 or 6 weeks) and 2-month follow-up was conducted. SSAS addressed cybersafety, finances, emotions, relationships and lifestyle. Groups were delivered online (<i>n =</i> 2) and in-person (<i>n =</i> 2). Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, attendance, satisfaction, adverse events, fidelity. Scam-related distress and coping were assessed thrice weekly (baseline), and weekly (intervention/follow-up). Secondary outcomes included cyberscam adjustment/engagement, cybersafety, mood, financial strategies, relationships, goal achievement. Data were analysed visually and statistically. Eight participants completed SSAS, with no cancellations or adverse events; two remained on waitlist. Recruitment was lower than expected, but other feasibility indicators were strong. All avoided further scams and demonstrated meaningful progress in cyberscam adjustment between baseline and 2-month follow-up. Moderate effects were observed for reduced distress (4/8) and improved coping (3/8), maintained at follow-up. SSAS was largely feasible and promising for supporting cyberscam adjustment. Findings will inform a future randomised-controlled trial.