Podcast-driven insights into Charles Bonnet Syndrome: Impact on self-management strategies and communication

This study compared the effectiveness of two educational podcasts on behavioural responses to Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) hallucinations. One podcast provided general information and management strategies, while the other included the same content but also encouraged participants to actively interact with their hallucinations (e.g. by touching them).

In this double-masked, two-arm randomised comparative study, participants were recruited through charities and social media. All participants completed a baseline survey assessing hallucination frequency and severity. They were then randomised to receive either the education podcast or the interaction podcast. Approximately three weeks after listening, participants completed a follow-up survey. The primary outcome asked, 'Have you made any changes to how you respond to your hallucinations since listening to the podcast?' Secondary outcomes included which strategies participants had tried and their perceived helpfulness, whether they were inspired to try them, changes in hallucination characteristics, perceptions of the podcast's usefulness and enjoyability, and whether they had disclosed their symptoms to new people.

Fifty-four people with CBS (76% female; 70% aged >65 years) participated. Twenty-eight received the education podcast and 26 received the interaction podcast. Across the whole cohort, 80% reported no change in how they responded to hallucinations, with no statistically significant difference between the two podcast groups (p = 0.8). However, 52% felt inspired to try the strategies. Forty-eight percent found familiarising themselves with hallucinations helpful, while 33% found improving sleep ineffective. Sixty-four percent found the podcast useful, though only 42% found it enjoyable. Following the podcast, 63% told new people about their symptoms.

No significant difference was found between the two podcast in altering behavioural responses. However, both encouraged uptake of self-management strategies, suggesting that podcasts may be a useful support tool for individuals with CBS. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term impact.