Abstract
Introduction:
Hybrid training mode comprising in-person and teleconferencing sessions is effective and sustainable, yet no standardized principles guide its development for older people. This study aimed to develop a set of principles for hybrid-mode psychoeducation for older people from the experiences of middle-aged and older people in two folds: (1) examining the effects of hybrid-mode community psychoeducation and (2) identifying features that could enhance participants' experience.
Methods:
We delivered 12-hour Older Person Mental Health First Aid and 3-hour late-life depression training to adults aged 50 and older in in-person and hybrid modes. Hybrid group participants received technology-related support, including in-advance training and on-site support. All participants completed assessments on depression literacy, depression stigma, meaning in life, social support, depressive symptoms, and anxiety pre-and post-intervention and evaluated the program in open-ended questions.
Results:
A total of 471 in-person and 346 hybrid group participants completed the psychoeducation and post-assessment (80.4 % female, mean age = 64.73 years, SD = 7.29). Linear mixed models revealed improvements in depression literacy, depression stigma, meaning in life, social support, and anxiety (B = −1.43 to 0.13, all p <.001), with no significant difference between in-person and hybrid groups. Thematic analysis of open-ended questions identified three themes: (1) informational content with case studies, (2) hardcopy course handouts, and (3) interactive learning environment.
Discussion/conclusion:
Hybrid-mode and in-person psychoeducation had comparable benefits on middle-aged and older people. The TORCH principles, an acronym for Technology provision, On-site technical support, Rehearsal, Connection with group members, and Hardcopy notes, was derived from practice wisdom and qualitative findings to support older people in online learning.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 100699 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Internet Interventions |
Volume | 35 |
Early online date | 12 Dec 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2024 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2023
Funding
This work was supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for The University of Hong Kong for the Project JC JoyAge: Jockey Club Holistic Support Project for Elderly Mental Wellness [HKU Project Code: AR160026 , AR190017 ]. The funder has no role in the preparation of data or the manuscript.
Keywords
- Gerontechnology
- Hybrid
- Psychoeducation
- Teleconferencing