A MIXED-METHODS EVALUATION OF LAY COACH-SUPPORTED EMPOWER@HOME FOR GERIATRIC DEPRESSION
2024

Evaluation of Empower@Home for Geriatric Depression

Sample size: 70 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Xiang Xiaoling

Primary Institution: University of Michigan

Hypothesis

Does the Empower@Home program with lay coach support effectively reduce depression in older adults?

Conclusion

Empower@Home supported by lay coaches is effective in reducing depression among older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • High completion rates were noted at 89%.
  • Significant improvements were observed in the intervention group compared to controls.
  • The study showed a medium effect size favoring the intervention (Cohen’s d = 0.72).
  • Causal mediation analysis indicated that CBT skills acquisition and behavioral activation contributed to the effects.
  • Thematic analysis revealed several key themes related to the program's structure and support.

Takeaway

This study shows that an online program can help older people feel less sad, especially when they have support from coaches.

Methodology

A randomized controlled trial with mixed methods was used to evaluate the program's efficacy.

Limitations

The study may have limitations related to the generalizability of the findings due to the specific participant recruitment.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 60 and older, recruited from various sources.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0960

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