Author:
Dikaios Elena,Sekhon Harmehr,Allard Alexandre,Vacaflor Blanca,Goodman Allana,Dwyer Emmett,Lavin-Gonzalez Paola,Mahdanian Artin,Park Haley,Walsh Chesley,Sasi Neeti,Nazar Rim,Gruber Johanna,Su Chien-Lin,Hanganu Cezara,Royal Isabelle,Schiavetto Alessandra,Cinalioglu Karin,Rigas Christina,Launay Cyrille,Beauchet Olivier,McDonald Emily,Seitz Dallas,Kumar Sanjeev,Nair Vasavan,Miresco Marc,Bruneau Marie-Andrée,Alexopoulos George,Looper Karl,Vahia Ipsit,Rej Soham,Bukhari Syeda Nayab
Abstract
Introduction:Social-distancing due to COVID-19 has led to social isolation, stress, and mental health issues in older adults, while overwhelming healthcare systems worldwide. Telehealth involving phone calls by trained volunteers is understudied and may be a low-cost, scalable, and valuable preventive tool for mental health. In this context, from patient participatory volunteer initiatives, we have adapted and developed an innovative volunteer-based telehealth intervention program for older adults (TIP-OA).Methods and analysis:To evaluate TIP-OA, we are conducting a mixed-methods longitudinal observational study.Participants:TIP-OA clients are older adults (age ≥ 60) recruited in Montreal, Quebec.Intervention:TIP-OA volunteers make weekly friendly phone calls to seniors to check in, form connections, provide information about COVID-19, and connect clients to community resources as needed.Measurements:Perceived stress, fear surrounding COVID-19, depression, and anxiety will be assessed at baseline, and at 4- and 8-weeks. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups will be conducted to assess the experiences of clients, volunteers, and stakeholders.Results:As of October 15th, 2020, 150 volunteers have been trained to provide TIP-OA to 305 older clients. We will consecutively select 200 clients receiving TIP-OA for quantitative data collection, plus 16 volunteers and 8 clinicians for focus groups, and 15 volunteers, 10 stakeholders, and 25 clients for semi-structured interviews.Discussion:During COVID-19, healthcare professionals' decreased availability and increased needs related to geriatric mental health are expected. If successful and scalable, volunteer-based TIP-OA may help prevent and improve mental health concerns, improve community participation, and decrease healthcare utilization.Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.govNCT04523610;https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04523610?term=NCT04523610&draw=2&rank=1
Funder
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health
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