Description

Background & Rationale: Many older adults in the community experience symptoms of depression, but few receive adequate treatment, which can include medications or psychotherapy (talk therapy). Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) is a very effective psychotherapy for depression, but psychotherapy such as PST is usually not available to older adults due to high cost, limited resources, and other barriers such as lack of transportation. Internet-delivered psychotherapy is a more accessible option that can be as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy.

Research Question and Objectives: The overall aim of this project is to improve access to psychotherapy for older adults by developing, adapting and implementing a new evidence-based treatment option, Ger-iPST. Towards this aim, our objectives are to:

1. Develop the Ger-iPST intervention.
2. Examine the effectiveness and implementation of Ger-iPST: 2a. Measure the preliminary effectiveness of symptoms of depression in older adults; 2b. Explore barriers and facilitators to the use of Ger-iPST among participants and experiences with implementation.

Methods: The investigator will implement and evaluate the effectiveness of Ger-iPST in Calgary, Alberta. Ger-iPST is an 8-week online psychotherapy program with online therapist support based on Problem Solving Therapy (PST), a proven and safe psychotherapy for depression in older adults. Ger-iPST will be tailored to the specific needs of older adults with relevant content (e.g. modules using aging-related examples); process adaptations (e.g. more repetition); and digital usability modifications. Participants will complete weekly online Ger-iPST modules, and the investigator will measure symptoms of depression before, during, and after completing the program. The investigator will also collect information on symptoms of anxiety, quality of life, and disability. The Ger-iPST intervention will be hosted on an existing, secure, cloud-based psychotherapy platform, Online PsychoTherapy Tool (OPTT). All quantitative data collection will occur using questionnaires on the platform. Following completion of the Ger-iPST modules, participants will be interviewed to provide feedback on acceptability and barriers and facilitators to the use of Ger-iPST. These results will be used to improve and adapt the resource to best suit the needs of older adults.

Treating depression improves functioning, emotional well-being, and overall health among older adults. Many older adults prefer psychotherapy over (or in addition to) medication for the treatment of depression, and given that a growing number of older adults use the internet, internet-delivered therapy has the potential to greatly improve access to treatment for older adults with depression.